How to Stay Awake and Alert

    California Long Beach Mission has grown!  I have mentioned that when we arrived here 18 months ago there were 140 missionaries, now there are 268.  WOW!  We now have 6 zone conferences to include the 12 Zones where we used to have 3 zone conferences for 9 zones.  It is amazing how the Lord helps us adjust.  I feel I was blessed to present at each of the conferences this week(3 of them; the rest will be in 2 weeks).  The entire conference was on "Teaching with the Spirit".   I had started a presentation 12 weeks ago, but because of surgeries, I was not able to finish or present it.  The Lord knew;  it fit in perfectly with what was being presented this time.  I have to admit, I did not feel great on Thursday, but with a prayer and strength from above, it turned out OK.  Each day I feel better and stronger, so each day was a little easier.  I still have to pace myself (I am used to a much faster pace!)

This me trying to pace myself!

  " How to Stay Awake and Alert Meetings and Studies"   Was the topic I chose because many missionaries have asked me that very question.  (sorry, i can't turn off the caps)

     I do a power point presentation, but require them to come up with ideas of their own.  There were two good articles, one in the January 2013 New Era "How to Never Have a Boring Church Class Again" by TED BARNES and the other was: "To Be Edified and Rejoice Together" BY A. ROGER MERRILL
      I used the Quote from President Kimball: "Someone asked President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985), “What do you do when you find yourself in a boring sacrament meeting?” His answer was a little surprising: “I don’t know. I’ve never been in one.”  We discussed why someone who lived 90 years did not find any sacrament meetings boring.  They came up with many, I added "healthy" ways to stay alert.  Of course ADEQUATE INTAKE OF WATER was one of my points.  These missionaries will remember one thing from me.....Drink, drink, drink water!!
     There were several missionaries that thanked me for my presentation and one even said it was an answer to a prayer of his.  That made me feel good, I am glad I am an instrument in the hands of the Lord to help them develop lifelong healthy habits (I hope!)  The things they learn on a mission do change them for the rest of their lives!!!
     Elder McOmber stayed busy checking cars, presented on bicycle security and moving missionaries this week.  He works hard all the time.  The missionaries notice how hard he works.

We have a luncheon at each of the zone conferences.  The elders and sisters are all happy to see each other!

A couple of elders helping to clean up, I am proud of them just not dumping the crumbs on the floor.
Their mom's taught them right!

Some sisters meeting today.

The AP's used Alma 50:1-5.23 as a reference for their presentation on preparing lessons.  We have some really good artist in our mission.

Elder Joseph B. Worthlin said: "Most of us don’t mind doing what we ought to do when it doesn’t interfere with what we want to do, but it takes discipline and maturity to do what we ought to do whether we want to or not. Duty is too often what one expects from others and not what one does. What people think and believe and plan are all very important, but what they do is the thing that counts most. It is a call to throw out selfishness and to think of the common good of all."

"Life requires us to perform many duties—some routine, others more meaningful and important. An integral part of duty is to set the proper example and to take every opportunity to bolster others along this uphill road of life. This might be done with an encouraging word, a compliment, a handshake—any indication of caring. And we need to keep in mind that as we learn our duties well here, we also are preparing for the performance of eternal duties." "Let Every Man Learn His Duty". October 1980

Three of our "Elders" that completed an honorable mission, came back today for a visit.  They were able  to go to the Temple with a family they all taught.  The family was sealed today.  It was so good to see them all!   

This Elder changed his last name mid mission.  He is so happy, he was officially adopted by his step dad and was able to change his last name.  It will a trial to remember to call him by his new name(good thing they all wear name tags!).  He is excited to be able to be sealed with the rest of his family.  That's what brings happiness, being with our families forever!

Ripples

     You never know the influence you might have on people.  The ripple will continue on.  I was going into the VA to have lab work drawn the other day.  I was by myself as Lonnie had an eye Dr. appointment.  I was in a funk, not thinking about too much, just sort of like "Alice the goon" (for those of you who remember the cartoon Popeye).  Walking and existing in my own world.  A Volunteer at the front door, said in a BOOMING voice, "Welcome, and have a great day".  It woke me up, I looked around at all the people, so many of them in wheelchairs, so many of them that don't have the wonderful support from family and friends and missionaries.  I repented quickly and started smiling and talking to people along the way.  When I got to the Lab, the same lady had taken my blood a couple of times before.  She commented on how cheerful I always was and that she appreciated it.  Good thing my attitude was changed by one man at the door.  The ripples of his cheerfulness went on and on in others as well, I am sure.
     My granddaughter, Miranda,  has a missionary friend that she writes to in Fiji.  She has told him about me having breast cancer and continuing to serve my mission.  He wrote her this last week speaking of me, "Man she is a huge inspiration to me.  I was telling my companion about her and how she has inspired me to be a better missionary and there is for sure someone who has it way worse than I do.  The mission world is growing and only getting stronger."  You never know how far your ripples will circle out and who you will affect.

     This week we had our annual Flu Vaccine Clinic.  We did almost all our missionaries.  Thought you would like some pictures.

Elder McOmber helped hold hands of those "scared of needles". He was also my photographer and general crowd controller. 

We had two nurses, so I helped draw up vaccine into syringes and tried to not be around too many sick people because I am immunosuppressed.  It was wonderful to see all the missionaries.

The sisters helped with the paper work.

Goofing off

Sister Tew talking to a sick elder, she would relay the information to me to protect me.

I am checking out a hurt foot.  It was a good time to see all the problems like ingrown toenails, sprained ankles, bad knee, messed up fingers.

Sister Johnson is a service missionary in our mission. We love her!  She is a big help.

     Another Granddaughter, Annalea, organized a Breast Cancer walk of Hope group in Corpus Christi.  She worked hard to get money for the registration.  She designed the tee shirts and did a good job.  The walk was today and she and 3 others walked for Breast Cancer Hope.

Chad, Julie, Grandma Julie and Annalea

The shirts she designed.

Annalea

Love the pink bathrooms!!!!!!

Annalea and Dad, Chad and pink water fountain.

     I really appreciate their efforts to walk on my behalf!!!
     Miranda also told me to look up this poem.  I love footprints in the sand, I thought she had miss typed, but she said, no this is what she wanted me to look up.  It is wonderful!  Thought I would share it.

Butt Prints In The Sand

One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.

But then some stranger prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"
Those prints are large and round and neat,
"But Lord they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones,
"For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait."

"You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith, you would not know.
So I got tired, I got fed up,
and there I dropped you on your butt."

"Because in life, there comes a time,
when one must fight, and one must climb.
When one must rise and take a stand,
or leave their butt prints in the sand."

author unknown

Christlike Attributes

"Developing Christlike attributes in our lives is not an easy task, especially when we move away from generalities and abstractions and begin to deal with real life. The test comes in practicing what we proclaim. The reality check comes when Christlike attributes need to become visible in our lives—as husband or wife, as father or mother, as son or daughter, in our friendships, in our employment, in our business, and in our recreation."

—Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings"

     When Elder McOmber and I were married almost 20 years ago, we had 9 children ages 10 thru 18.  We had custody of all of them, the two oldest did not live with us.  Tobie had a baby and lived on her own and Chad went into the military a week after we were married.  We still had 7 children living with us (in 1000 sq feet home).  In the 20 following years we have always had family near and sometimes even living with us.  We had 2 3/4 years that we had missionaries living in our basement, sharing our kitchen.  We have loved every minute of that time and dearly love our family and being close to our children and grandchildren.
      This has been a new and exciting  experience being together and relying on each other.  I have come to appreciate Elder McOmber's work ethic even more here on the mission.  He is such a help to me(and the
missionaries) and very protective of me.
    His mission call said that he was to "labor as an office assistant and mission nurse specialist assistant..."
Wow, we know that the Lord is aware of the needs even before we are, but it sure is wonderful to see my husband work doing his best at his calling.

He is now a bouncer at the departure fireside.  If the Elders and Sisters don't bring an investigator they are not suppose to stay at the meeting.  It is a very spiritual meeting and we all want to say good bye to our wonderful missionaries are that returning home with honor, but rules are rules.  He has a soft heart though.

                                     

Elder Fife and Howell are leaving this transfer.

Elder Fife wrote (a long time ago) in Elder McOmber's note book "Elder Fife is your Favorite Missionary".  He was not anxious to go home, he loved his mission and did a good job!  Elder McOmber went to the airport to say good bye to these missionaries(he was up at 5 AM) and it was a good thing.  Their suitcases were too heavy and he took some stuff to mail to their homes for more than one missionary.  

President and Sister Tew with the departing missionaries

Elder Hjorth and Elder McOmber loved to find the license plates with the most same numbers then beat on each other for each one they found.

     The Lord knew that the mission would be growing by leaps and bounds.  When we started our mission 17 months ago, there were 140 missionaries, now there are 270.  Someone has to set up the apartments.  Elder Barlow is busy full time with obtaining apartments, closing apartments, taking care of cars.  Lonnie was gone late every night this week.  Tuesday he was gone from 5 AM to 11 PM.  This is his hardest week as he is making sure everyone has beds to sleep on, desks to study on, etc, etc, etc.  He takes his responsibilities very seriously.  Then he comes home and helps me with the laundry, etc. I am so fortunate to have such a loving and responsible minded honey.

      After saying good bye to the outgoing missionaries on Tuesday, he later went to the airport to pick up the luggage for the new missionaries.  There were 3 different sets to pick up this time.  Our Spanish speaking missionaries are coming from the Mexican MTC, so they come on the international flights at LAX, others come into the Long Beach airport.

Elder Sam is Cambodian speaking and does not speak English.  He is learning.  He knows how to say hamburger!  Elder Fowler is his trainer and interpreter.

 

Sister Wasden greeting two of our new sisters.  Sister Pendleton is a RN here on a proselyting mission, but will be a great resource when I go home.

New missionaries are greeted by their trainers.

Elder Dixon and Elder Walker were the Assistant's to the president.  Elder Walker is now out in the field and Elder Tewksbery is the new AP.

Elder Jesperson and Elder McOmber in our office.  Elder McOmber takes care of bikes, new and repairing.  He is always fixing things.  The new missionaries all need bikes, and we have 6 Visa Waiters that are in need of borrowing bikes.

Elder McOmber is even good at fixing our water heater in our motor home.

Christlike attributes are gifts from God. They come as you use your agency righteously. Ask your Heavenly Father to bless you with these attributes; you cannot develop them without His help. With a desire to please God, recognize your weaknesses and be willing and anxious to improve.

(PMG 115)

I am so thankful for my husband's Christlike attributes!  My family at home and their support and Christlike attributes impresses me as well!  We couldn't do a mission without their help!

Elder Kuhlman's mother sent a quilt to me "to be used".  It humbles me to think of our wonderful missionaries remembering me to their families and having the prayers of my missionaries as well as their families.  I know that I am being attended to by both Heavenly and earthly angels because of these prayers!  As I love quilting, I appreciate the time and talent in this quilt, the quilting is exquisite!

When we follow Jesus Christ, we act as He would act and love as He would love.""

”Russell M. Nelson, "The Work of Salvation: Parable of a Father at Bedtime

I Love General Conference

We drove to Irvine Mission office to pick up the flu vaccine for our missionaries.  We drove along the Pacific Coast Highway.  You can see the oil rig and some surfers in the water.  I love the drive!

I love General Conference and it is amazing how fast quotes come up on facebook.  I was checking out my facebook between sessions and there were several of my favorites on there already.  The talks always are aimed directly at me, I think. (although I know they are for everyone).  They do help me.  I especially liked Elder Holland's direct talk on Mental illness and Elder Uchtdorf's talk on "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith!"

Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven who loves you more than you comprehend - Elder Holland

I can not wait for the Ensign so I can reread all the talks.  I end up marking them all up, but they give me such strength and direction.

This week I went into the office for 1/2 days, but didn't think to take pictures of our missionaries.  Because of being immunosuppressed, I try to stay away from the sickest missionaries and triage and counsel over the phone.  My phone has been plenty busy!!!  

Our son Chad, drove from Corpus Christi, Texas for a job interview.  It was a 20 hour trip each way for a 40 minute interview.  The best part was that he visited us.  He and I just sat in the motor home on Tuesday afternoon and  had a wonderful time visiting, giggling and reminiscing.

Chad and me,  This is a hat that my sister made for me.

I had my second round of Chemo on Friday. Sam has been my nurse both of the times for chemo.  It is fun to share my testimony and talk about nursing.  He is getting his master's in nursing on the internet, just as two of my daughters are doing. (Amy and Jami). 

Here I am getting chemo, This time they only had to stick me once to get my port, thank goodness.  I am listening to music on my ipod that  wonderful friends gave to me.  I  also read a book that was given to me about two of my favorite hobbies, photography and quilting- it is about how to take a good pic then turn it into a quilt.  I am dreaming of quilts I can make--someday.

   Today is day 15 from my first chemo.  They say your hair falls out on day 10-14, so I woke up this morning and it was still there, I thought, "oh good, maybe I won't loose it.  It is stubborn like me and not going to fall out."   Wrong-While watching conference Lonnie said he watched as I moved and it would fly all over.  He walked over and a clump fell out into his hand so I had him shave it off. He said it just about fell off rather than him shave it off.  My granddaughter, Maci, wants to see me with no hair, well I still have stubble, but here it is...

Lonnie cut his hair after this so it is as short as mine.  They say a husband and wife begin to look alike the longer they are married.  We will have been married 20 years next month, do we look alike?   I wear a dew rag or hat all the time as it is cold without my hair.

On my ipod I was looking through the files and came across this cute picture that made me smile.  Avri and Neli must have taken their picture when there were visiting in August.

Jesus Christ heals body, mind, and spirit and his healing begins with faith   Elder Dyches