Sunday, December 30, 2012


Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf -
First Presidency -
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
 

"We the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children...Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children...Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and to serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live..." (The Family, A Proclamation To The World, Sept. 23, 1995)

Our favorite wall-hanging!

The family's favorite pastime
Dave and Nat,
Keegan and Norah
Another family
favorite pastime









We dearly love our family and are especially thoughtful of them at this time of year as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.  We had a wonderful Christmas holiday, spent with friends and loved ones.  We had the special opportunity to spend a few days, including Christmas day, with Sister T's siblings and their families.  After church on December 23rd, we drove to Mahone Bay for dinner with Roger and Anna Davison and Sauesi, Andrea, and Ofa Pahulu.  They have been so kind and giving in so many ways and so many times; they are loved dearly.  After dinner we went to Bridgewater Ward's Christmas celebration.  That was very well done
and put us deeper into the Christmas spirit.  From there we drove to Liverpool and spent the next three days visiting and celebrating with Joni's sister, brother, and sisters-in-law and their families.  We even had a special guest, Jacob Huskins - a good friend of John's, come and play his fiddle and banjo for us.  It was a holiday spent entirely with family.  The only thing that would have been better would have been to have our own children and their families here with us.  We felt very loved.  On the way home we stopped to have dinner with some very good friends in Bridgewater, Patrick and Anna Hirtle.  They have been good friends of ours for many years.
Nephew Keegan
Dave - the outdoorsman














Santa John
Lil -chief cook















Nat & Dave


Albert & Sylvia






Betty and her grand-daughter
Hailey








Fiddler Jacob











Thursday gave us a Nova Scotia snowfall - it snows really hard for a few hours and makes things white and slippery, then it rains for a few hours and washes most of it away.  We were in the temple in Halifax (actually, it's across the harbor in Dartmouth) for most of the day and were well protected from the weather and the cares of the world.  Saturday was spent in the temple also, with a LARGE group of youth coming in from Prince Edward Island, St. John, New Brunswick, and Sydney, Nova Scotia.  The temple is the most safe and calming protection from the world, and to see the youth come to serve there gives us hope that the future is in good hands as we recognize their trust in God to be worthy to be there.  They must be good citizens as well as followers of Christ to be in the temple, and this is such a sacred place that, if they continue on their current chosen path, they will lead us correctly in the future - both temporally and spiritually.
Halifax, Nova Scotia Temple
"When members of the Church are troubled or when crucial decisions weigh heavily upon their minds, it is a common thing for them to go to the temple.  It is a good place to take our cares.  In the temple we can receive spiritual perspective.  There, during the time of the temple service, we are 'out of the world.'"  (Pres. George Q. Cannon)

"Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed according to the order the Lord has revealed for His holy Priesthood, lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness, moves the heavens in mighty power in our behalf, invokes and calls down upon us the blessings of the Eternal Gods, and those who reside in their presence."  (in "The Logan Temple," Millenial Star, Nov. 12, 1877, 743)

Sister T and Sis. Roberts


Elders Raymant and Sloan
Friday at lunchtime we were with Sis. Evelyn Roberts and Elders Sloan and Raymant.  We had a very good visit and very tasty food.  The young missionaries give us such a boost, because of their spirit and great enthusiasm to be serving a mission.  We are always uplifted when we are around them and attending meetings with them.








Senior missionaries enjoying dinner
Elder & Sis. Duncan
Elder and Sister Tibbits
(She's a definite twin in personality to Sis. Tiff) 
On Friday evening the senior missionaries from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island all got together for a dinner at the mission home.  It was a wonderful affair and time to spend with others of our same age to enjoy, commiserate, and celebrate.  Elder and Sister Duncan, from PEI (from Wyoming), shared slides and narrative of their previous two year mission in Chuuk (Guam) where my brother and his wife (Dixon and Rosemary) are now serving.  Seeing their pictures and hearing their stories helped us all appreciate our mission to snowy Canada so much more.  The Duncans are so full of life and enthusiasm it makes the rest of us feel old.  That night we had Elder and Sister Steffen stay with us, as they were going to the temple on Saturday morning before going back to their area.  The Steffens are from Fruit Heights, Utah, and were in the MTC at the same time as Dixon and Rosemary.  A very nice couple.

Speaking of snow, we are currently sitting in our apartment watching a blizzard outside.  The winds and snow are fierce enough to cancel church today.  So we are finally seeing winter arrive in the north country.  We have had so much nice weather, with sunshine and warm temperatures that this is quite a change.  This is called a Nor'Easter. The snow might not last very long, depending on how much and how soon the rains come, but it's cold and white right now.

Saturday, December 22, 2012




1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all athe world should be btaxed.
2 (And this ataxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called aBethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his aespoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her afirstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the binn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the aglory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you agood tidings of great bjoy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is aborn this day in the city of David a bSaviour, which is Christ the cLord.
12 And this shall be a asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth bpeace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with ahaste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it awondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and apondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Because we are away from our family during this Christmas season, we wanted to share with all of you the event from the scriptures which we share with them every Christmas Eve.  We can't be in a better place than where we are at this time, and doing what we are doing.  The life and mission of our Savior is the most important thing that has happened to and in the world since its creation and the events in the Garden of Eden.  We have been called by Him to represent Him as though He Himself were here, saying and doing what He would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent us.  Our voice is His voice, and our acts are His acts; our doctrine is His doctrine.  Our commission is to be a living modern witness in word and deed of the divinity of His great and marvelous Latter-day work.  How great is our calling!  (a quote from Elder Bruce McConkie). And how thankful we are for those who support us in this work, and to our loving Heavenly Father for watching over us and our families while we are away.

Week before last (boy, I've got to be better at keeping this blog thing up to date!) we took the opportunity to visit some early morning seminary classes.  Wednesday of that week we were up at 5:30, Thursday at 5:00, and Friday at 4:30.  We have some really great teachers who are very dedicated to teaching the gospel to the youth.  And, for the most part, they do a pretty good job.  This is a precursor of our schedule after the new year starts.  Since nothing drastic happened on Dec. 21st, we're scheduling future visits and training with as many teachers as we can.  We get so involved in what's taking place in the classes that we forget to take pictures of these dedicated teachers and students.  We'll try to do better in the future.

We had an opportunity to go to the eastern tip of Nova Scotia, on assignment from the mission office and our institute coordinator.  We went to check on what is happening with seminary and institute in Cape Breton, and to inspect the missionaries apartments.  We forgot our camera, so we didn't get pictures - this time!  We may be going back in a week or two to take some new furniture to the Elders, and we will be sure to take the camera then.  Cape Breton is the last point of main land before taking a ferry ride to Newfoundland.  It has some of the highest elevation points in Nova Scotia - approximately 800 feet above a very cold sea level!  The people are friendly and very proud of their heritage and homeland.

We met the most interesting and eccentric man, whom everyone should have the experience of meeting.  He is probably the most cheerful soul in all of Atlantic Canada.  When we return to Cape Breton we'll be sure to take his picture.  He's not a member of the church, but when the branch closest to him was open, he walked 7 miles to and from church every Sunday for a number of years.  He's very well acquainted with the church, Utah, and all things Mormon.  He even takes the Church News and Mormon Times from the Salt Lake Deseret News Corp.  A very friendlyman.

The Centurion
The Bridgewater Ward sponsored a live nativity, with live animals and everything!  This nativity is probably the most unique we've ever seen.  One couple used to do this inside their home, clearing out their furniture and bringing in the animals and props.  Because of a lack of room, visiting was by invitation only.  But this year it was in a barn and everyone was welcome.  We signed in with a Centurion, given a bag of shekels, and instructed to reserve a room at the inn right away.  As we stepped through an opening we were greeted by a number of small booths where we could buy trinkets, dried fruit, candles, and so on.  The place was packed and most visitors were in costume (we went as senior missionaries).  After awhile we were sent to the "inn", stacked hay bales, and it was very crowded.  Enter Joseph and Mary, who try to barter for a room - and there definitely was no room!  The inn keeper ushered them to a stable, where they brought forth their son.  Singing angels entered, then shepherds.  We all sang a few Christmas hymns, then viewed the baby (a real, live baby).  It was very realistic, and ultra cold, but very helpful in reminding us of the trials of Mary, Joseph, and their firstborn Son.







The Innkeeper



Joseph and Mary -
turned away from the Inn

Elder Unger,
Santa's favorite elf
Last Wednesday we had a full day of training with all the missionaries in the province of Nova Scotia, and Pres. and Sis. Leavitt.  The morning was spent in training how to proselyte more effectively, then we went to a local restaurant for a Christmas dinner.  Back at the church we exchanged gifts, had a talent show, then pictures.  Santa and his head elf were there to wish us a Merry Christmas!  It was fun, entertaining, and educational, with the spirit to get things into our hearts and not just our heads.  And to top it all off - it finally snowed!  We had about 3-4 inches of snow.  Mind you, it didn't snow down the hill from us in greater Halifax, nor across the harbor in Dartmouth.  Just the higher elevations of our area (maybe 100 feet above the water level).  It was melted in a couple of days, so we're back to springlike weather.

Last evening we were guests to some very special people - Milford, Ruby, and Dot were here for dinner.  This is Joni's brother, his wife, and sister-in-law.  Joni threw together some fantastic fish chowder and dinner rolls.  They were thrilled with the fixings, so we sent all the leftovers with them.  It was really great to have them in our home for once, as they have us to their home fairly often.  It's wonderful to be able to share this time with them.


Elders Grasteit, Farnsworth,
& Harris
We had an opportunity to have dinner at the Mission Home with Pres. and Sis. Leavitt, and a few missionaries, three of whom were going home the next day.  Sis. Leavitt called and invited us to join them, which was unusual.  After dinner, we shared a few missionary moments and our testimonies of the gospel work we're involved in, then said goodby to those leaving the mission field for home, Elders Farnsworth, Harris, and Grasteit.  Elder Farnsworth was a favorite of ours and he'll be missed.









 This evening (Saturday, Dec. 22) we attended another live nativity, this time at the stake center in Dartmouth.  Not quite as involved as the Bridgewater one, but very well done, with beautiful costumes, live animals, and a wonderful spirit.  The pictures are a little dark, but you get the story.

For the holidays, we will be going to Liverpool (Sister T's hometown) to spend a few days with her family.  We're looking forward to that, as this is the first time we've been entirely with her family since we were married 42 years ago.  We're really looking forward to that, and we'll take our camera with us!

Have a safe and very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Please take the time to remember what our Savior has done for us, and return our thanks by being of service to our families, friends, and everyone we meet.  Like the Wise Men, let us continue to seek after Him throughout our life, with faith, hope, and charity towards everyone.

 

Monday, December 10, 2012

Sis. White & Sis. Bezanger
Very humorous and wonderful
ladies of Halifax 1st Ward
The Christmas spirit is getting stronger as we get nearer to December 25th.  We had the opportunity to attend TWO church dinners this last week.  On Friday evening we attended the Halifax 1st Ward Christmas party (that's a family ward).  There are a lot of really friendly people there and we like to attend their Sacrament Meetings every Sunday, just for the feel of family.

Just a few of the ugly sweaters!
After that we attend the Young Single Adult meetings to feel the vibrance of youth.  They have great testimonies and a wonderful spirit about them.  We're not sure if they're keeping us young or making us older, but we love them.  They had their Christmas dinner and dance on Saturday evening, to include an invitation to wear an ugly sweater.  Elder Tiffany doesn't have such a thing, but Sister Tiffany borrowed one from Melissa and JJ.  They gave prizes for the ugliest sweaters, and there were some pretty ugly ones, but she won HANDS DOWN!  She promised not to wear it anywhere else, and immediately put it away.




 SEE WHAT WE MEAN -             UGLY!

















     AND THE WINNERS ARE -












We met with some stake priesthood leaders and discussed some things they would like us to do in the way of training auxilary teachers, as well as seminary and institute teachers. It will include some extra travel time, but a chance to see more of Nova Scotia in depth, as we attend wards and branches around the province. We're looking forward to getting more acquainted with many more members.
Sister Tiffany's asking Santa
to not give her a piece of coal
for wearing the sweater.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

"With the birth of the babe in Bethelehem, there emerged a great endowment - a power stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting than the coins of Caesar.  This child was to become the King of kings and Lord of lords, the promised Messiah - Jesus Christ, the Son of God."  (Pres. Thomas S. Monson, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator)

Painting by Wendi Oickle,
mother of a Bridgewater YSA
(Samantha)
We had our last class before the Christmas break in Bridgewater.  We really love that group and are going to miss our weekly meetings with them, but we will not miss the drive.  But the Lord has been good to us, as we didn't have to make any trips in the snow.  After class was ended, they gave us a gift of appreciation - a beautiful oil painting of a Nova Scotia cove, and a beautiful picture of the Sacred Grove.  We were a little overwhelmed with their thoughfulness.  In our new assignment we will get to see them on an occasional basis as observers rather than as instructors.

We are gearing up for the new year and our new assignment.  We meet on a regular basis with Rick, our coordinator, to learn what he would like us to do when we go out to visit the many seminary and institute classes throughout the province.  The institute classes usually meet in the evenings, but the seminary classes usually meet in the EARLY mornings.  That may be a challenge to get from Halifax to their class on time, but we'll do our best to be good "students".

Pres. & Sis. "Moray"
Pres. Leavitt, our mission president, is anxious that the senior missionaries feel fulfilled with their mission experience, so he has get-togethers, as well as trips he sends or takes us on to see a little of other areas and couples.  Last weekend Elder Tiffany went with the president and Elder Wiebe, a senior Elder, to Bathurst, New Brunswick, located in the very northwest corner of that province - right across the Bay of Chaleurs (in the Gulf of St. Lawrence) from Quebec, about 350 miles from Halifax.  They had a lot of frozen rivers and a very cold wind coming off the bay, but no snow.





A very contented (after dinner)
Elder Nzojibwami &
Elder Skinner
We went up to help Elder and Sister Foley set up a new apartment for a senior couple coming in this week, and to determine where to put more missionaries.  Two sets of lady missionaries will probably be sent up to that area to open two more towns, as well as some French speaking missionaries and a couple to open a French area on the Gulf.  They have a small branch in a very nice, small chapel, and they are very loving and full of the spirit, with a great Branch President (don't know how to spell his name, but it's pronounced Moray).  Sis. "Moray" prepared a wonderful dinner for all of us, including Elders Skinner and Nzojibwami (Zoegeebwahmee) - French speaking missionaries in the area.

Elder and Sister Foley left this morning to go home to Salt Lake City.  They have been the mission office couple, and, like all head secretaries, have been the wheels that turned the mission.  They will be sorely missed, but those who have moved in to take their place will surely keep us going in the right direction.  Heavenly Father will not let His missionary work falter.  We had a nice dinner last Sunday evening at the mission home with senior missionaries from around the area, to give the Foleys our love and wish them well and a safe journey home.

Our temple assignment is a blessing.  We love being there every Thursday to serve with the locals and temple missionaries assigned there.  Elder and Sister DelaCruz got to see some snow fall last week.  It only lasted for about half an hour, but it was the first Elder DelaCruz had ever seen. so he was delighted.  He was happy, too, that there wasn't more to have to drive through.  That's right - December, and still no measurable snow, IN CANADA! (At least Nova Scotia)

We took Sis. Evelyn Roberts (mother of Trisha Jamison who introduced Joni to the church) to lunch and saw a few of the lobster boats coming back in with their catch.  It was a very cold day and we appreciate these men and women who sail out into the ocean to bring in the fresh fish, lobster, etc., DURING THE WINTER, for us to enjoy in our warm and cozy homes.

Sister T and Tayson (grandson on the apron)
with trees from friends and family
We've put up a Christmas tree with donations of decorations from Melissa, JJ, and Milford (Joni's brother).  We do hope that everyone is getting into the proper Christmas spirit, and remembering what it all represents.  We love our mission and we're very thankful for all of our blessings.  We miss our family at home and wherever they are, but we are among the very blessed because we are still close to Joni's family for the holidays, and at the same time spending our full time testifying of the love and blessings available through following the Savior all year long.

Some say we Mormons are TOO focused on Jesus; others say we are too religious for them; and still others say our lives are misdirected because we don't believe in Christ exactly as they do. We testify that the Savior should be our ONLY focus, that by observing and keeping His commandments is the ONLY way to lasting joy and happiness, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His church. Jesus Christ said: "Where two or three are gathered together IN MY NAME, there am I in the midst of them." (Matt. 18:20)