Sunday, April 9, 2017
Sheila writes in Black, Rick writes in Blue
Women's Conference at last week's District Conference The cake commemorates the 175th Anniversary of the Relief Society. The Brethern, however, ate most of the cake.



Monday, March 27, 2017

About 2:00 a.m. we were awakened with our smoke alarm screaming us both out of bed.  Two hours later it went off again.  Consequently, we moved through the day a bit muddle headed.  We enjoyed Seminary as usual and skyping with our children and grandchildren which is always such a treat.

We delivered the picture of Jesus we put together for ten year old Devika.  She seemed to like it.  I chose the Del Parson picture, "Christ with the lamb"


Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Both of us have colds, mine started first so I am at the coughing stage and Rick is having bronchial coughing so neither of us slept well for the second night. It seems that even a lowly cold can bring on an increase in humility these days.  After Seminary I made microwave corn bags with sheep decorations on the flannel.  I'm giving them to the branch members and since this is such a sheep ranching area, I hope they will like the flannel.

After, we ran some errands and then decided to listen to the Womens' Conference.  Due to the lack of sleep, even though the messages were very good, I dozed.  I finally realized that I had dozed 4-5 times and each time been awakened by the exact same thing.  I heard a sound I would describe as two wooden shoes or two large wooden blocks being knocked together. (I was awake the entire time, I wonder if I had anything to do with it.) Why in the world would I have "dreamed" the same sound each time I slipped into a doze?  (Maybe my mother, my sister, my grandmother, or someone presently unknown thought the messages important enough to keep me awake). 🙂

Our little courtyard with our clothesline is being carpeted with moss because of all the rain

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

After Seminary, Elder Berger worked on scanning some tax documents for home and I started cleaning out the Primary closets that no one has taken ownership of in several years.  I will need several more hours to complete what is needed.

I have lots on my mind.  I found a free LDS sheet music websight and printed up music for prelude on Sundays and want to have Kristen Smith and her dad play a guitar piece from that sight on Easter.
I have been asked to speak on Easter, the subject being blessed are those who believe without seeing, I have sharing time Sunday, I teach again in Seminary tomorrow, I need a Primary girl activity planned as soon as possible, I am still working on microwave heating bags.  Sometimes my brain refuses to think of another thing and I read an easy book or run through Facebook.

Frequently I have taken roses from our complex to Sacrament meeting so Sister Betts knows I love them.  Today at Seminary she brought me some from her bushes.

When we are back in St. George's desert climate, and I am trying to water enough to keep a little marigold alive, I will enjoy thinking of this plant in my garden in Armidale, thriving becasue of so much water.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Two days ago a cyclone hit the north-east coast of Australia and it shared its rain with us from very early this morning.  After Seminary we picked up a few groceries and went home.  Elder Berger's cough kept him awake most of the night so he was glad to relax and wait for our teleconference Zone conference which we enjoyed.

I completed two more microwave bags and made a loaf of French bread to take to the MacDonald family tonight.  It was their turn to be recorded for our Facebook movie.  They were really cute and added a great part to the video.

Friday, March 31, 2017

We spent some time with Brother Smith creating our video for Facebook and then ate Chinese food with them.  It was a lovely evening. Brother Smith is one of the Great people who we have met here. Anytime that we need help with almost anything, and we have gone to him, he has given us the answer or help that we need. He has an important job and is very busy but he is always very gracious and generous with his help.


Sunday, April 1, 2017

Our Tongan brethren who work here at the Tomato factory for six months and then are required to leave the country and go home for a few months, are now back.  We are looking forward to having them sing in Sacrament meeting. The Brother in the middle with his hand on his chest has the biggest hands I have seen while I have been here. I bet he could really handle a basketball. Almost all of these brethern bore their testimonies in our meeting today.

                  

                Here the Tongans are at President Sully's.  He gave them a wild pig to roast.

                

Finally finished the CTR armoured Primary children pictures with our Primary kid's faces
in the armour and hung them in the Primary room.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Sister Tan asked the elders to stack her firewood that was delivered and then asked us and them to eat Tea with her.  She made a delicious meal with crumbed chicken, something I intend to make frequently.

Elder Childs taking a whack at it.

                                                   Elder Berger showing them how

Elder Dransfield is a born foreman.

Friday, April 7, 2017

Elder Berger spent the day with Frank Benesch helping him on his farm with cattle and machinery repair.

We need to disconnect the sprayer from the PTO.

Brother Benesch insisted that I take his 4 wheeler for a brief ride. I got on top of the hill and took the picture above of his home at his ranch.

Saturday, Sunday, April 8-9, 2017

We downloaded Saturday and Sunday conference sessions to a USB and showed them Saturday and Sunday at the branch.  We fed everyone pizza between sessions both days.  It was very nice.  The talks were so wonderful.  I think the thing that stayed with me was "Look up" toward Christ, don't let your surroundings, challenges or other people interfere with your faith and testimony and the talks on seeking to following the promptings of the Holy Ghost.  I liked the quote by the prophet Joseph Smith that when we have an impression, act on it the first time and 9 out of 10 times it will be from the Holy Spirit.

We love this little Branch. The members are so warm and loving. I have been in much larger groups, Wards, and Stakes, but the spirit has never been stronger than in our little Branch. We had a small attendance today because of school break and conference, but what a great feeling there today.