I have been coordinating with one of my neighbors to host a neighborhood gathering, enjoying a sundae on Sunday. I created a handout and we have been going door to door to invite all 67 of our neighbors. Well today was the day! She set up the tables, we bought a lot of ice cream because of the enthusiasm we encounter as we extended invitations to come. We planned for 90 people but had about 30-35 come. It was great to meet many people I hadn’t meet before so in my eyes it was a success. Although my boys were not too thrilled to join in since those in attendance were either older (as in retired) or young families with no one over Jessie’s age. We ( Sandy and I) hope to do more neighborhood gatherings.
As Thanksgiving is coming I thought I would share a few thoughts on why I am grateful for our Savior……..
Because of Him, there are second chances and everyday is a new beginning.
Because of Him, I can be renewed and darkness can’t succeed.
Because of Him, I can leave my past behind and can start again.
Because of Him, the grave has no victory and no goodbye will last forever.
Because of Him, peace can replace guilt and I can have His spirit always.
Because of Him, I know the way and can live with my Heavenly Father again.
I love my Savior!
And a great scripture to go along with my thoughts.
Alma 38:9 9 And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom,
that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved,
only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world.
Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.
You will be freed was the video link I shared with the missionaries this week - Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all can be transformed, cleansed, and freed from addiction.
https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/you-will-be-freed-2
Another busy week here in THSM. We’ve survived another week of zone conferences and basketball is in full swing. Our zone conferences went really well and we believe we’ve found a format we like. We meet all together in the beginning and then break into four breakouts rotating every 40 minutes. We titled our conference #LIGHTtheWORLD to coincide with the Christmas campaign the Church has created for the holidays. The campaign this year includes the video(s) and service opportunities called “25 Ways in 25 Days”. The focus is on doing things that the Savior taught and did himself. It will be awesome for our missionaries and members of the Church alike. You can see a preview video of the campaign on Mormon.org, but it will be launched worldwide on November 25th. We used the theme to talk about how our missionaries are a light to the world. Aaron taught them how light is the source and law by which the heavens are governed. The more light we have, the more we are able to serve as the Savior would have us. The missionaries are excited to use the pass along cards, video, and service activities ideas with everyone they talk to.
The four rotating groups focused on different skills the missionaries need to work on. The assistants focus on extending commitments to pray and attend church. Aaron took baptism, and I took working with the members. We had the missionaries learn the skill, practice it, and then we rotated every 40 minutes. As a part of extending invitations, Aaron introduced three additional questions that they need to ask after every invitation. 1. Why would it be important for them to read? This question checks for intent. 2. What blessings do they hope for as they read the Book of Mormon? This checks to see if they understand what they can expect from reading. 3. What would hold them back or get in their way of keeping the commitment? This is where the missionaries can help resolves concerns and problems. The missionaries then take out their planner and write down the date and time they will follow up to make sure the investigators know that they are serious about the invitation. The reality is if we don’t make strong commitment invitations, sadly, most people don’t follow through and make little to no progress. Aaron teaches the missionaries from our purpose that we are to invite others to come unto Christ and we succeed when we do so in a way that people know why it is important that they follow through, regardless of outcome. Aaron ended our conference discussing how light can casteth off fear. So many missionaries are fearful to talk to people. They worry about rejection and don’t open their mouths like they should.
Zac had three games this week which we loved watching!!! He is getting a lot of playing time. He is scoring and defending well and even got a four-point play. The first game they were destroyed, they lost the second two but much closer games. Not too bad for a bunch kids from a highly academic school going up against some solid competition. Bode also had his first game this week and also defended and scored well. They have 12 kids on the team and the coach has to play them all. Although Bode would like some more playing time.
Jess woke up late Thursday night throwing up. :( I had the joy of quickly cleaning her and all the blankets. Luckily all occurred on the blankets rather than carpet. She continued with the stomach bug on Friday and spent a day home from school. Hoping it doesn’t linger.
We don’t know what we’ll be doing for Thanksgiving yet, but looking into going to a buffet downtown Houston and then a movie. We are so-so looking forward to Allie’s arrival. The boys and Jessie (feeling much better) are picking her up while Aaron and I are speaking at the Richmond adult session of Stake Conference. They will welcome her by taking her to Torchy’s. It’s now a tradition to go there for her arrival! ;) She’s bringing the cold weather with her. We woke up this morning to 39, brrr cold. Feels a little like Utah!