It's been toooooo long!

A LABOR OF LOVE FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTERS....

Easter was fast approaching and my creative voice was calling for me to sew up a few skirts (17 in total) for the younger granddaughters. See attached. What fun! I hope they have as much wearing them as I had sewing them!

A Beautiful Spring Day!

The tulips and crocuses are in full bloom on Temple Square. What a sight to behold!! How blessed I am to be working as a Church-service missionary on the 1st floor of the Church Office Building, processing hundreds of applications for those who wish to expand their service to the Lord and build His kingdom. Additionally, as I await a telephone call from a Russian sister missionary who serves on Temple Square, I rejoice at the opportunity Elder Cook and I had to serve as full-time missionaries at the International Office on Temple Square and to interface with so many of His choice young foreign missionaries who have sacrificed so much to serve Him.

Wednesday, December 10, the HR Department of Church Headquarters held their annual Christmas luncheon and program in the Social Room of the General Relief Society Bldg. The headquarters’ CSM Coordinators are part of this department, and we happily accepted the invitation to attend. The highlight of the event was Elder David Bednar’s Christmas address entitled “Trees, Lights and Shepherds.” His hope was that we would never look at a Christmas tree, its lights nor shepherds in the same way again! He initially quipped that “the only thing between us and lunch is my speech,” and that for a speech to be memorable, it needs to be good or short or both!! Through scriptural reference found in 1 Nephi 11-15, he likened the ‘Tree of life’ to the Savior and that the ‘fruit’ of the tree are the blessings of His Atonement. Secondly, he likened the lights on the tree as the ‘light’ that shined for 2 days and 1 night when the Savior was born, a symbol of His birth, of continuing light. He has been referred to as “The Life and The Light.” Third, he reminded us that the shepherds were not ordinary but divinely-appointed shepherds watching over a ‘special’ flock of sheep who were headed for temple sacrifice.
An introductory musical number called “Mary’s Lullaby” was performed by 12 lovely women in the HR department; Elder Bednar’s talk was followed by a male musical duet and then a scrumptious lunch. We so appreciate being an integral and appreciated part of this department. The ambiance of this lovely room coupled with the sights and sounds of the Church Office Building are quite spectacular and often overwhelmingly touching. How we love serving our church-service mission--we, like President Hinckley wish to "wear out our shoes in service!"

Whew!! What a month!!

The Thanksgiving and Christmas season are continually full of food, music, spiritual stirrings, family and friends, all meant to enrich our lives and hearts. Since the last blog I penned a little less than one month ago stating our release as full-time missionaries, our Bishopric and Heavenly Father didn't want us to slack off, I suppose, so assignment after assignment have been heaped upon us (Steve always there to lend mental and physical support). As each opportunity for growth and service surfeited, I was reminded in my patriarchal blessing with the admonition that I was to "gladly accept every assignment given me." For journaling purposes, I wish to record the ones I can remember as follows:

Nov 4 - Interviewed by the full Bishopric and called to be a Gospel Doctrine Teacher

Nov 5 - Community Christmas Chorus rehearsal

Nov 12 - Spoke at Young Women's In Excellence meeting for all YW, parents and leaders-spoke on "remembering" (pre-existence, past and future)

November 13- Next evening, President Dallin Sohm, Stake President of S. Jordan River Stake phoned and asked me to speak for 5 minutes to the Stake H.Priest meeting and dinner on Church-service missionary program the next night.

November 16 - Presented Gospel Doctrine Lesson #42, 3 Nephi 22-26

November 19 - Christmas Choral rehearsal

November 20-Bethany Ogletree, our BYU-I coed came to visit us for 8 days! What a week!

November 25 - Christmas Choral rehearsal

November 26 - Visited Grandy at hospital in Orem; began cooking 5 pies and cornbread dressing at 8:00 PM. A very long day...

November 27 - Thanksgiving at Cowley's home-fantastic!!

November 28- Bethany and I decorated the outside and inside our home--how fun to have her 'legs' and assistance.

November 29 - Bethany and Steve clean Church; Lola at Christmas choral rehearsal

November 30 - Gospel Doctrine Lesson #44, Mormon 1-6

December 2 - Presented book review (45 minutes) on Gathering Christmas to Relief Society sisters are ward Christmas party

December 3-4-Christmas Choral rehearsal

December 4 - Steve and I attended the viewing of Apostle Wirthlin at Larkin Mortuary; what a grand reunion to visit with all 8 Wirthlin children and spouses, plus Joe and Kathy; truly, this is one of the great families of the church.

December 5 - Attended Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's funeral services in Tabernacle; tickets given us by Joe Wirthlin, Jr. What a sweet tribute to this dear, humble man.

December 6 - Assisted with food preparation for Ward adult Christmas party, 10:00 AM, "First Nativity"-10:00 AM--beautifully decorated by planned by the Activity Committee

December 6 - Community Chorus Christmas Concert at Bingham H.S.-wonderful array of Christmas songs celebrating the life of Christ, led by Marlene Stanley

December 14 - (forthcoming) -Play Christmas prelude and accompany Sacrament meeting; also, teach Gospel Doctrine Lesson #46, Ether 1-6

All of these commitments and activities don't mention our three day Church-service missionary service every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays at the Church Office Bldg. plus all the Christmas preparations, sewing, cooking, wrapping, mailing, etc. for our family spread out all over the world.

How we love Christmas and all its preparations; however, today, Sunday, December 7, was most memorable as testimonies were borne and hearts touched forever in sacrament meeting Relief Society. How grateful I am for this gospel of Jesus Christ. I know beyond of a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ lives and that He and Heavenly Father only desire us to have faith, repent continually, partake of all the opportunities for spiritual growth they continually invite us to participate in, to serve, to pay our tithes and offerings, to love one another and to endure to the end so that we might live with them one day. I cannot begin to feel enough gratitude for the showering of blessings that have come to Steve and myself our entire lives. Our lives haven't been particularly easy, but our multitude of challenges and hurdles have only made us stronger and more committed to living the gospel.

I am reminded of Elder Wirthlin's last General Conference talk at which time he quoted his mother who said, "Come what may and love it." This is what we continually strive to live and to do. Perhaps, it has taken me years to fully embrace this attitude and to truly have integrated it into my life. I have come to realize that "THINGS" don't matter, but people, family, eternal life and my precious testimony.

LAST OFFICIAL DAY OF OUR MISSION!

November 5, 2008--last day of our official full-time mission. We began serving November 5, 2007, called to the Missionary Training Center, Utah Provo Mission, specifically assigned to the the International Office. We served and loved our international missionaries with all our hearts but knew that Elder Cook's health wouldn't allow him to continue his expected activities. Joel Moriyama and Elder and Sister Bush prayed us to their office. After 8 months, we were reassigned to the Church Headquarter, Salt Lake City, to work in the Church-service Missionary Department as Coordinators. We have served with all our heart, might, mind and strength and pray our offering is accepted of the Lord. I know this work to be true and eternal and pray that we will be found on His Right Hand in the eternities.

Now, officially, November 6, we continue working in this office, in His service, as Church-service Missionaries. Today, we had our first snow of the season--it seems appropriate that God is the Lord is showering the earth with His beauty after such a disappointing national election--one of which we could be so very depressed!! We know this gospel will roll forth and consume the earth. We are humbled to be part of this great work!!

A TIMELY MESSAGE, Saturday, Nov 1, 2008

This was not just 'another' Saturday evening session of Stake Conference. Words were spoken and hearts touched by the message and spirit of our visiting General Authority of the First Quorum of the 70, Elder Bruce D. Porter last evening.

He began to tell us that 2000 years ago in China, if a person desired to wish you bad luck, he would say, "May you live in interesting times!" Such are our tines. He quoted D&C 88:91 and reminded us that we live in times "when all things will be in commotion." He reminded us that President Hinckley warned us after the eventful "9/11" catastrophe in New York City, to prepare. I was gently reminded that at that time President Hinckley alluded to Joseph of Old's interpretation of the seven years of plenty and seven years of famine dream the King of Egypt was plagued with. IRONY: IT HAS BEEN EXACTLY 7 YEARS SINCE PRESIDENT HINCKLEY SPOKE THESE WORDS!! He told us not to fear for our grandchildren--we will find ways to support ourselves, to continue our education, etc. "We won't always live in the most prosperous of times...Trust in Heavenly Father, pray, follow His council and all will be taken care of!"

He then cited an abbreviated version of the "Parable of the Ten Virgins," reminding us that this is a parable of the last days. All the women were virgins, active and worthy members of the church. Referring to D&C 45:57, "For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide and have not been deceived--verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day," he taught us this parable is about living worthily to have the Holy Ghost as our guide and to withstand the fiery darts of the adversary. The "oil in our lamps" is the reception of the Holy Ghost.

Then, he taught us two powerful principles to take the Holy Ghost as our guide.
1. We must overcome the worldly things. DON'T COVET (Tenth Commandment). Covetousness is the desire for world things we don't need. Our economy is based on it-spend, spend, spend and perpetual borrowing is the basis of our economy. Our economy will fail, but we need to work hard to save it. "Get over thinking we need to have so much." His simple financial formula was three words: S B T (Stop Buying Things!). STOP GOING TO THE STORE!!

The Prophet Joseph Smith said that "the reason the children of Israel apostatized was because they didn't keep the last commandment (10th)." Don't covet! This is the 'bridge' commandment to higher law (heart) and lower law (outward). We cannot serve God and mammon (money)! We won't have Holy Ghost in our hearts if we worship money. OVERCOMING COVETOUSNESS IS VITAL IF WE ARE TO SURVIVE!!

AFFLUENCE + COVETOUSNESS= DISASTER!! As a point of humility, citing an example of an African woman and member of the Church who ate only one meal a day because of lack of food, she ask Elder Porter for clarification if she should then be fasting every three days, Monday, Thursday, Sunday?? He said that 1 billion people in the world are starving (Bolivia also) because the cost of grain has increased. He warned us again, "don't borrow; work hard, save and prepare to give to others!!" He reminded us of King Benjamin's warning to pray that our hearts might be softened and pure.

2. We are too encumbered with too many things--"It doesn't give us time to seek God!" He cited a story of a busy Bishop whose ward members didn't feel comfortable to come to see him because of their perception that he was too busy. "Business has become to be prestigious"in our day. Christ wasn't rushed once--he was never over-scheduled. He reminded us that President Monson doesn't do things that don't matter, so that he has time to do important things. He still visits the widows and shut-ins 2-3 evenings a week.

He cited the "Parable of the Fig Tree" whose branches gave plenty of leaves but no fruit. The Savior cursed the fig and tree and it withered (Galatians-Paul). He interpreted the 'fruits of the Spirit" as gentleness, long-suffering, kindness, etc. that He would have us bring forth.
"We must overcome distractions and covetousness so we can heed the voice of the Holy Ghost."

How do we overcome business and distractions? PRAYER. All too often our prayers are insincere and redundant, full of vain repetitions. "Often we don't pray in sincerity, earnestness, holiness and peace; prayer is not another checklist or a 'to do' list.'" One memorable example of a man who prayed earnestly was Heber C. Kimball, First Counselor to Brigham Young. B. Y called him his 'prophet.' Whenever Pres. Young couldn't find a answer, he would go to Heber and ask him to pray to God for answers. Heber even built a 'prayer room' in the attic of his home' in Salt Lake.

WE MUST ALLOW QUIET TIME FOR STUDY OF SCRIPTURES AND PRAYER! IF WE DO THIS, WE WILL COME TO KNOW GOD AND HAVE 'OIL IN OUR LAMPS!'

The Church-service Missionary Program

Four months ago, Steve and I were transferred to the Church-service Missionary Department of Church Headquarters, 155 WW of the Church Office Bldg. Time and time again, Joel Moriyama, paid Director of the program, and Elder and Sister William Bush, current full-time missionaries also, have commented that we "were prayed there." Although our hearts will always be at the MTC in the International Office, our skills and talents were severely needed in this office.

Now that our remaining 9 days of our 12 month mission come to a conclusion, reflection is important in evaluating WHY Heavenly Father called us to this office. Steve's creativity, humor and ability to 'think outside the box' have enhanced Joel's ability to 'move the work along,' to say the least; I've been told that my tenacity, work-ethic and problem-solving abilities have greatly aided this department when all seemed to be stagnant. These are warm and fuzzy compliments but nevertheless appreciated when the 'move' occurred.

When we are released from our official full-time service on Wednesday, November 5, we will not miss a beat as we will continue performing identical tasks and responsibilities as Church-service missionaries which means we'll be serving from 5 to 3 full days a week, performing identical tasks but perhaps being more efficient!! Below find the advertisement on the Church website, e.g. lds.org to Serving in the Church to Missionary opportunities to part time for a plea for additional couples to join our throng.

We have loved our often arduous and 'non-spiritual' assignment and realize that the 'hand of the Lord' has moved His work along with imperfect but willing hands and hearts whose only desire is to serve Him in whatever capacity He deems. We shall be forever grateful for this opportunity to perhaps touch lives (in two opposite ends of the state), initially to friendly, often frightened international missionaries and now to countless CSM's whose faces we'll never meet but who are likewise willing to serve. God bless this great work!

Church-service Missionary Program - Coordinators (#1680)

These positions would assist with the processing of Church-service missionary calls; answering questions from potential applicants, local Church leaders, and Church department managers; training newly called Church-service Missionary Program group coordinators; and assisting with the Utah Allocation Program at the Church-service Missionary Program Headquarters Office.
Need: Immediate need for two missionary couples to serve 2 or 3 days per week for 8 hours per day for 12, 18 or 24 months.

Duties: Establish and maintain relationships and communication with the managers of Church organizations that use Church-service missionaries; train, orient, and support CSM coordinators across North America; and process missionary calls and releases. Occasional travel may be required which will be paid for by the Human Resource Department.
Skills: Basic computer skills; understanding of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel; love of people; love of teaching and an ability to train and instruct others; good background in Church leadership and understanding of Church organization is helpful.

50 E North Temple St,

Rm 152W

Salt Lake City, Utah 84150

United States
Contact: Joel S. Moriyama 801-240-4914

ANYONE INTERESTED?? PHONE JOEL MORIYAMA