Mission Report

We were blessed today to be able to speak in our sacrament meeting and report our mission which we recently completed. We have been blessed with this calling, just as we have with all of the other callings we have received during our lives. This mission was a little different than most missions. We were not called to go to far away places and experience the adventure of life in a foreign land, instead our call was to be "member/leadership support" missionaries in the Utah Ogden Mission, more specifically in the Logan Central Stake. We were given several areas on which to focus our efforts. Iris was specifically given a charge to be of assistance to the single sisters in the stake. This was a real challenge. There are many who have problems and need encouragement and assistance. We tried to do our very best and we know we had a positive affect on the lives of some, but there were others whose problems were beyond our power. Agency is an important principle of the gospel. It is truly a necessity if we are ever to grow and to fill the measure of our creation, however bad choices nearly always lead us away from the things that make us happy. Conversely, making good choices ultimately lead to growth, peace, and happiness. Personal choice and determination are essential if we are ever to overcome the bad situations we sometimes find ourselves in. We can and should help others wherever, and whenever, we truly can, but it all comes back to personal choice and accountability. The old adages seem to hold true. "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink", also the idea that "If you give a man a fish, he has food for a day. If you teach him how to fish he will have food for a lifetime." These are simple proverbs, but they contain great wisdom, which if internalized would make a huge difference in many people's lives. All people's problems are not quite that simple, but many truly are. It is interesting how difficulties in life can serve as either a stumbling block or a springboard to a better life. Often the choice is up to us. We are in charge of our own attitude. We need to work on developing a personal attitude of gratitude.
Another focus was to help as many people as we could to get involved in family history and temple work. This is something that I felt I could assist with, as I had done this quite bit before our mission. We had many people come to our home and we were able to help them get started and prepare names of their deceased ancestors for temple ordinances. This was a very rewarding aspect of our missionary service. Some people learned and were truly motivated to do this work and over the course of time submitted literally thousands of names to the temples. Others learned, but were less motivated and submitted only a very few. This seems to be a part of human nature. Agency again comes in to play. Those who truly strive receive an increased measure of success and blessings.
We tried to assist the Elders in their teaching and contacting activities. We were able to see several people baptized and confirmed and also some families sealed for eternity in the temple. We have been impressed by the energy and dedication of the young missionaries in the Utah Ogden Mission. They work hard, strive to be worthy of the Spirit, and are obedient to the rules of the mission and the directives of their mission President. We had our planning meetings with them and and also attended district and zone meetings as well as special meetings with the Senior Missionaries.
When we first started, we were among just a few senior missionaries serving in the Stay-at-Home Senior missionary program. The goal was to have a senior couple serving in each stake under the direction of their stake presidents. Our mission president, I think, said it best. He said: "Your stake president knows a lot more about what is needed in your stake than some man from Boston who has been in Ogden for six months." President and Sister Hiers have been great, but we do appreciate the direction that was given to us by our Stake President, President Horsely. By the time our mission ended nearly every stake in the mission had a senior missionary couple. In a special conference we had with Elder Jeffery R. Holland, he told us that the Senior Stay-at-Home mission program was having a great effect and would most likely be expanded into other areas of the Church. It has proven beneficial and more cost effective than some other types of missionary service. The Senior missionaries we served with were wonderful, selfless people, devoted to their Father in Heaven, the Savior, His Church and people. We were honored to be a part of this program and have been blessed by the example and dedication of so many wonderful people.
In May of last year we were asked to teach an English class for Chinese people who live in Logan and the Cache Valley. Previous to this, their had been a small Chinese speaking group organized as a part of our ward. There had been a few baptisms and their seemed to be a possibility that we could build on this small group. There are many Chinese students at USU, some of them from Taiwan, and most of them from the People's Republic of China. We made an effort to get some of them interested in a conversational English class and have had about twenty people respond. We have made good friends with many of these people and have been impressed by their goodness, their polite dispositions, and their humility. This has been a highlight of our labors and it appears, that we will be continuing with this part of our missionary service, even now that we have been released from our mission. We have had many experiences with these wonderful people and have felt the hand of the Lord leading them and us in this relationship. Also, today we were asked to speak at the sacrament meeting of the Chinese Group (our second talk of the day.) We did so through an interpreter. I had done this a time or two in Germany as a missionary long ago, but in a revere role(from English to German). I love to share my testimony of the gospel and our Savior and am so grateful I have been led to know what I know. It was a great experience then as it was to day. We do indeed feel blessed.
The best part of our mission was that I had the best companion ever, and she stayed with me through each and every transfer. I shall forever count my blessings. Recently, it was announced that the Utah Ogden Mission will be split in July and a new mission, the Utah Logan Mission, will be created.
All in all this has been a wonderful and rewarding experience.
The picture below was taken recently at a meeting of the Senior Missionaries in the Cache Central and Cache North Zones.

Working on Fitness

During about a two hour break in all of the basketball activity today, we came home, and I decided to put our new Nordictrak Incline Trainer to work. It came as a Christmas gift from Iris to me and me to Iris. It just may be one of the best investments we've made in a long time, especially now that we are getting older and also have a little more trouble getting outside to get the exercise we need. I spent an hour "hiking" through the National Parks of North America (IMAX Version) and the results of my workout were recorded as you can see from the photos posted below. I think most 75 year-olds would be grateful to be able to do this, and I am, very grateful!

Gratitude!! So far today we have watched several Junior Jazz Basketball games. This has caused me to reminisce a bit. We spent most of our winter months for many years following our own children all over Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah as they participated in basketball games, ranging from peewee basketball at the AJ Winters School to the State Championship at the MiniDome in Pocatello. We tried to support our kids in all of their activities, even if it meant splitting up, Iris going to one game, and I to another, when the games were scheduled at the same time, but in different places. We loved doing it and it made the long winter months go by more quickly. We were not alone. Most of our friends had children playing and they supported their children also. It gave our children a sense of belonging, taught them the meaning of team work, how to follow directions, and the importance of being physically fit, among other things. Those days and years sometimes seemed hectic, but looking back, they are filled with a flood of wonderful memories and fondness. It wasn't so much about the score of the game, or the wins and the losses, as it was an opportunity to focus in on things that bind a family together, and to learn from our experiences, and to be there for each other. These games and trips also served as a springboard for teaching and learning. Many were the teaching moments that came about because of all of this activity and our involvement in this way in the lives of our children. There were, of course, many other aspects of living and raising a large family for which we are grateful, but the sound of a boisterous crowd, cheering on the home team, or the sound of a buzzer going off to begin a new game, or close one just finished, will always have a special place in our heart. Below are just a few pictures of some of our grand kids as they participated in their games today. We were blessed and we continue to be, and we are grateful.

Saying Goodbye to Jason and Family-- Moving to New Hampshire

Jason and family moved to NH. We couldn't pass the opportunity to give them one last hug before they headed out. We love them so much and count our blessings that they are a part of our eternal family.

 

Moving With Teenage Daughters

Jason and Rene have moved to New Hampshire. They both have jobs there and I thought that was the reason they were moving. We went down on Saturday to bid them farewell just before they left for the airport. This picture unveils, what may be the real motivation for their move. Teenage daughters????

Syster Eborn's Mission Report

Today we attended church in Murray, Utah, where our sweet granddaughter, Kinsey, reported her mission to the Sweden Stockholm Mission. She has been a good and faithful servant, full of faith and determination to fulfill her calling to the very best of her ability, right up to the last day. She left Sweden after having served her eighteen month calling on January 30th. Less than a week later she was attending classes at USU. She will continue to be a exemplary member-missionary.

She's Back

She's back. Our sweet granddaughter, Kinsey, is home from her mission in Sweden. We are so happy to see her and to have her here in Logan. She's all set to go at Utah State, starting on Wednesday. She has an RM roommate and will be living near the campus. Every day will be just a little better for us now, knowing that she is near, and has a beautiful smile on her face, as always. Thanks, Shana, for sharing her with us for a while this afternoon. You can rest assured, she will never be far from someone who cares for her a lot, So proud of Kinsey and all of your family.

Setting Goals for the New Year

Setting Goals for the New Year

Some suggestions from the prophets and other Church authorities from the October General Conference 2014
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from around the world prepare for the new year, many are setting goals for their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development.
While these goals may be inspired by any number of sources, prophets and other Church leaders mentioned during the October 2014 General Conference some specific changes people can make to improve their lives and their spirituality.
In his address, Elder Elder Quentin L. Cook said, “I encourage everyone, young and old, to review goals and objectives and strive to exercise greater discipline. Our daily conduct and choices should be consistent with our goals. We need to rise above rationalizations and distractions. It is especially important to make choices consistent with our covenants to serve Jesus Christ in righteousness.”
Here are 15 goals from the prophets to help you center your life on Christ during 2015.
1. Avoid contention
Today’s world—especially the online social media world—is fraught with arguments and differing opinions. Church members can emulate Christ by being peacemakers even when they disagree with others.
“On the subject of public discourse, we should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention,” Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught. “Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. . . . We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence.”

2. Find more meaning in temple service
With a new temple set for dedication in Utah County during 2015, now is a great time to recommit to meaningful temple worship. Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “Don’t let anyone or anything prevent you from being there. While you are in the temple, listen to the words of the ordinances, ponder them, pray about them, and seek to understand their meaning. The temple is one of the best places to come to understand the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Seek Him there. Remember that many more blessings come from providing your own family names in the temple.”

3. Take care of your body
Physical well-being is closely connected to mental, emotional and spiritual health.
“Take responsibility for your own physical well-being,” Elder Jörg Klebingat taught. “Feeding the spirit while neglecting the body, which is a temple, usually leads to spiritual dissonance and lowered self-esteem. If you are out of shape, if you are uncomfortable in your own body and can do something about it, then do it! … [P]lease use good judgment in what and especially how much you eat, and regularly give your body the exercise it needs and deserves.“

4. Learn more about the gospel
Before Church members can fully live the gospel, they must understand it. Elder M. Russell Ballard taught this important truth:
“In searching the scriptures and the words of past and current apostles and prophets, we should focus on studying, living, and loving the doctrine of Christ,” he taught. “In addition to developing the habit of personal scripture reading, we need to be like the sons of Mosiah and give ourselves ‘to much prayer, and fasting.’ It seems that these things which are not easily measured are of great importance. Stay focused on these simple things, and avoid becoming distracted.”

5. Be a better parent
Children are the future of our homes, the Church and the world. Therefore, the role of parents is of paramount importance.
“It is my firm conviction that there has never been a period in my many years of life when our Father in Heaven’s children have needed the guiding hand of faithful, devoted parents more,”Elder L. Tom Perry taught. “… We must find within ourselves that same determined spirit and overcome the challenges we face with the same spirit of sacrifice. We must instill in future generations an ever stronger reliance on the teachings of our Lord and Savior.”

6. Improve personal scripture study.
Prophets have repeatedly counseled that scripture study is essential to gaining a testimony and maintaining the companionship of the Spirit.
“Don’t yield to Satan’s lie that you don’t have time to study the scriptures,”Elder Richard G. Scott taught. “Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!”

7. Serve someone every day
The small acts of service we offer may seem insignificant, but Elder Jeffery R. Holland taught that when we do what we can, our offering will make a difference.
“A journalist once questioned Mother Teresa of Calcutta about her hopeless task of rescuing the destitute in that city,” Elder Holland said. “He said that, statistically speaking, she was accomplishing absolutely nothing. This remarkable little woman shot back that her work was about love, not statistics. Notwithstanding the staggering number beyond her reach, she said she could keep the commandment to love God and her neighbor by serving those within her reach with whatever resources she had.”

8. Have more meaningful prayer
Improving prayer habits can improve every facet of life. Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “Choose to converse with your Father in Heaven often. Make time every day to share your thoughts and feelings with Him. Tell Him everything that concerns you. He is interested in the most important as well as the most mundane facets of your life. Share with Him your full range of feelings and experiences.”

9. Increase your fast offering
When speaking about caring for the poor, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland asked Church members to be “as generous as circumstances permit” in their contributions.
“Cherish that sacred privilege [to fast] at least monthly, and be as generous as circumstances permit in your fast offering and other humanitarian, educational, and missionary contributions,” he said. “I promise that God will be generous to you, and those who find relief at your hand will call your name blessed forever.”

10. Repent daily
Repentance has some negative connotations, but daily repentance helps
disciples of Christ become closer to the Savior.
“Because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is very practical, you should apply it generously 24/7, for it never runs out,” Elder Jörg Klebingat said. “Embrace the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance as things that are to be welcomed and applied daily according to the Great Physician’s orders. Establish an attitude of ongoing, happy, joyful repentance by making it your lifestyle of choice. … Keeping your eyes on the Savior, care more about what He thinks of you, and let the consequences follow.”

11. Have Family Home Evening
As Church members strengthen their own testimonies, teaching family members gospel truths will increase their understanding and increase the influence of the Spirit in family members’ lives.
“Be cautious not to make your family home evening just an afterthought of a busy day,” Elder Richard G. Scott taught. “Decide that on Monday night your family will be together at home for the evening. Do not let employment demands, sports, extracurricular activities, homework, or anything else become more important than that time you spend together at home with your family. The structure of your evening is not as important as the time invested.”

12. Forgive quickly
People who forgive others relieve themselves of heavy burdens that decrease happiness. Immediate forgiveness increases joy and strengthens relationships.
“Forgive everyone, everything, all the time, or at least strive to do so, thus allowing forgiveness into your own life,”Elder Jörg Klebingat said. “Don’t hold grudges, don’t be easily offended, forgive and forget quickly, and don’t ever think that you are exempt from this commandment. Spiritual confidence increases when you know that the Lord knows that you bear no ill feelings toward another soul."

13. Maintain a clear vision
As Church members set new goals and resolve to become better, it’s important to keep the end goal in mind. Elder Carlos A. Godoy taught this important principle: “Making decisions that can impact our lives and those we love without having the broader vision of their consequences can bring some risks. However, if we project the possible consequences of these decisions into the future, we can see with greater clarity the best path to take in the present. Understanding who we are, why we are here, and what the Lord expects from us in this life will help give us the broader vision we need. … We have the scriptures, the temple, living prophets, our patriarchal blessings, inspired leaders, and, above all, the right to receive personal revelation to guide our decisions.”

14. Evaluate yourself honestly
As people improve their lives and become more committed disciples, constant self-evaluation helps the process continue. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave this helpful formula for self-evaluation:
“[H]ow can we shine the pure light of God’s truth into our souls and see ourselves as He sees us? May I suggest that the holy scriptures and the talks given at general conference are an effective mirror we can hold up for self-examination. As you hear or read the words of the ancient and modern prophets, refrain from thinking about how the words apply to someone else and ask the simple question: ‘Lord, is it I?'”

15. Emulate Jesus Christ
The best goals and resolutions lead Church members toward Jesus Christ. President Thomas S. Monson taught, “As we strive to place Christ at the center of our lives by learning His words, by following His teachings, and by walking in His path, He has promised to share with us the eternal life that He died to gain. There is no higher end than this, that we should choose to accept His discipline and become His disciples and do His work throughout our lives. Nothing else, no other choice we make, can make of us what He can.”

Sophie's Baptism

Where Love Is, There God Is Also!

We had the opportunity to attend our sweet granddaughter's baptism. Sophie is such joy in our lives, as is her entire family. When we are near them we feel love.
Love for God, love for the Savior, love for each other, love of family, and love for everyone. What a wonderful example each of you are to all of us!!! Thank you all for being who you are. Congratulations Sophie. You are awesome!!

 

Mission Miracles

Our official full time mission is drawing to a close, just one more week. I suppose it's not been nearly as great an adventure as those of some of our friends, who are serving in Vladivostok Russia, Accra Ghana, Sydney Australia, Stockholm Sweden, London England, or even Rochester, New York. We haven't been to real exotic, far away places, with strange sounding names, but we have met many from some of those spots on the globe , who, through the tender mercies of the Lord, have come to us here in Logan. It is the same work, everywhere though. We have seen some miracles and God's hand at work here in our area too.

One of the biggest miracles took place over a long period of time, but after many very low spots and difficult times resulted in a one-of-a-kind baptism last Sunday evening. Shortly after we first moved to Logan and I had been called to serve as the High Priests Group Leader in our ward a gentleman showed up at church one day with his young son. Following my missionary instincts, I went over an introduced myself. He told me that he had been raised LDS and had married in the temple. He was the father of five children, but was now divorced and had been excommunicated. He still believed in the gospel and in the Church, but had made some terrible mistakes which led to a lot of rationalizing, suffering, and eventually to his excommunication. He was a truck driver and often did long hauls, where he might be gone for several days at a time. Over time he kind of warmed up to me as I made a point to visit with him on Sundays when he was in town. His youngest son often came to church with him, though his mother actually had custody of him. I could tell this man truly loved his son. Once, he told me of his wife. He said he still loved her and that she was the best woman he had ever known. Then he said, that he had hurt her very badly along with his family and most of them wanted nothing more to do with him. He felt rotten inside. His problem had begun while he was far from home on a trucking run. He picked up a magazine which was inappropriate. Porn can be so addictive and he was hooked almost from the first time. He couldn't seem to let it go. Then as time went by he would pull into a truck stop and would be solicited by a hooker. He was weak and alone, and this became a pattern for him. Not surprisingly, his faith waned along with his strength to resist and he went into a terrible, ugly, downward spiral which ultimately led to thoughts of hopelessness, and even suicide. Occasionally, he would think of what he had been taught about the Savior's love and the infinite nature of His atonement, but in his mind he found it difficult to believe that he could ever be forgiven. Even after his excommunication though, he felt drawn to the Church. He would attend whenever he could, though he said he felt very uncomfortable being there. He had a desire to participate, but his participation had been restricted because of his excommunication. The next ten years were a roller coaster ride with many more lows than highs. He counseled with his priesthood leaders and others who cared, and as a result he retained a glimmer of hope, though sometimes it seemed to be very faint indeed. Eventually, through his prayers and the prayers of others, and because of the strength and enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, he was able to put away the magazines and the activities which were tearing his life apart and allow the balm of Gilliad, to begin the process of refining and cleansing his sin sick soul. After a lengthy period of testing and proving his resolve to overcome this addiction he was finally given clearance by his priesthood leaders to be re-baptized. We were privileged to be at his baptism, which was performed by his sixteen year old son, a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. All of his family were there. Each of them bore testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its power to cleanse and to save, no doubt because of a stalwart mother. Their actions and words bore powerful testimony to us of the need for forgiveness and to forgive. Now comes the challenge, which we all face, enduring to the end. I thought of the Savior's parables, especially of the woman at the well, the woman taken in adultery, the lost sheep, and the prodigal son. Who are we to cast the first stone? We can get there from where we are now. We are all sinners and need to repent and allow the power of Christ's infinite atonement to cleanse our souls. Most of us have never committed adultery or murdered anyone, but we have all been taught that no unclean thing can enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Perhaps, the small, silent, secret sins, are the ones that will keep us out of the Kingdom of Heaven and from a fullness of the promised joy. May we all look upward to the saving grace of the Lord, and may we all look inward and realize that that saving grace will make up the difference, "after all we can do." I'm feeling grateful, to God, to His Son, for the gospel of repentance, and especially for the unspeakable sacrifice.
wrought by His great LOVE and His infinite ATONEMENT.