Personal Finances Class, Seminary, Comp Study, BBQ Birthday Party, and Family Name Assist Training

This has been a slower week for us. As usual, I spent a lot of time on the computer working on various projects. We didn't have as many extra activities as usual.

On Monday, I worked on a Bank Book Register for our Personal Finances Class. I have used the spreadsheet for years. Season developed it and gave it to me 10 or more years ago. I have modified it some to meet al my financial needs and for tracing various things like our mission expenses. I created a copy and striped away much of what I added. I also fine-tuned it a bit to better meet the needs of our class.

Tuesday morning started with Early Morning Seminary. The Elders, were not feeling well, so Sister Paratene did the lesson. We were still there to be the seconds in class. She had a very fun lesson prepared that involved a talk entitled "They of the Last Wagon." As a class, we all created part of a drawing of a covered wagon. Then we talked about the trials of the pioneers, in particular, some of the trials those in the last wagon suffered. We related them to our lives today and how we all experience trials that we need to overcome to reap the great rewards at the end of our trials.

Later, we went to Peggy's house so I could hem some pants for one of our missionaries I fought with the sewing machine that was given to me for several hours on Monday before I decided to give up and just use Peggy's machine. I always enjoy visiting at the same time. 

Elder Na Nongkai

We had a wonderful Comp Study with the Riverside Elders sharing highlights of our personal study for the week. After that, I worked on a Song Fest flyer for an activity our Ward is sponsoring in September. I think it turned out pretty good. I spent the rest of the day working on the New Convert Initiative.

We spent our evening at the Ward Family Fun Night. We had a nice lesson by Brett on "Stand Ye In Holy Places" and then played games and had refreshments. 

We went to DCM a little early on Wednesday because Elder Wilcox and I were doing some training for both districts and I needed to set up a monitor for my presentation. I wish we could meet together all the time. Elder Wilcox did his training on 7 words to eliminate from speech to sound more professional. I think it was received very well. I did my Family Name Assist presentation and let them know what an important role they play in making sure this gets done for their new converts.

After finalizing some information for the Song Fest, I spent much of the rest of the day preparing my Seminary Lesson for Thursday. I also finished up the New Convert Initiative report from Tuesday. I spent some time researching the travel visa for Australia so I could let our friends know when one to use. Australia has about a dozen different visas. Most of them are in the $200 PLUS range. The one they want is only $20, but it is a little tricky to find. I found the link and sent it to them. They were grateful.

Lastly, we had our Scripture study with the Hikurangi Elders. We also chose to share and discuss our highlights from our personal study that week. 

We had a little lighter day on Thursday. I only had 4 students in my Seminary class. I think the lesson went OK. We did a Scripture Squeeze on D&C 87:8 which reads: "Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen." I asked the students to squeeze everything they could out of the scripture. We spent several minutes just underlining words or phrases and then asking questions about it. After we had a bunch of questions, they were asked to pick one question and search for the answer. We had a good discussion. This particular verse offers a powerful directive: in the face of turmoil, believers are called to remain spiritually grounded in sacred spaces—whether physical, like temples and church buildings, or personal, like homes and hearts devoted to righteousness.

We ran some errands after Seminary and got home just in time for our mission SPF meeting. We talked about using scriptures in our teaching every time and the power that brings to the lesson. That is so true as I have seen that many times throughout my life. 

After that, I did my scripture study until it was time for the Zone Leaders to come over for their Comp Study. Once again, we had a GREAT discussion. I have been very impressed with our Elders. The discussions we have had with each set are deep and meaningful. We ask good questions, and we all share the answers. We learn from them as much as they learn from us. It is awesome.

It rained off and on most of Friday. I was glad I was indoors for most of it. I thought about our granddaughter a lot. Alyson and Sam got married in the Columbia River Washington Temple on Thursday in the US, but it was Friday for us. The Portland Temple was closed for the annual maintenance, which is why they went to the Temple in Washington. Oh, how I wish we could have been there. I'm glad they didn't wait to start their forever for us to get home, but I do wish we could have been there. 

After an awesome hour of personal study, I worked on the bills and our Personal Finances assignment. I was able to do some work for HawkSoft for a while too.

Then it was time to go to Ben’s for his birthday BBQ. It was a little cold, but not to bad to be outside. Ben’s son, mother, and grandmother showed up. We had a nice visit with them. The Elders also came to help celebrate. I think a good time was had by all.

We spent most of Saturday working on our Personal Finances class assignment and preparation. I also finalized several things for Sunday such as the Ward Council agenda and the Sacrament Program. 

In the afternoon, I had a Zoom conference with the leadership in Cook Islands so I could do the Family Name Assist training with them. Even though they live very far from the Temple, the Family Name Assist tool is still very valuable to help them stay focused on the Temple.

Roman at the 4th of July Parade

I still have seven more Stakes to train. I only have one of those currently scheduled. I’m hoping to get the others scheduled soon.

I was glad I had a little extra time on Sunday morning to do my personal scripture study before we left for Church. I studied an awesome talk by Elder Michael B Strong of the Seventy entitled “Charity – a Sign of True Discipleship.” One thing I do when I study the Gospel is apply what I’m reading to myself. What do I need to do or repent of? How can I become more like my Savior? What lack I yet? Sometimes my list is very long as the Spirit whispers to me the things I need to change. This morning was one of those days. 

Alyson and Sam

I love to serve others. That’s why serving missions is so great. I have plenty of opportunities to serve. However, in my studies this morning, one of the things I lack a great deal is being observant of others and the unspoken needs they may have. I have teased often that I am the world’s most unobservant person around. I can walk into a newly decorated room and not notice anything different. I don’t know why I am that way. I have to have people point out to me what is different. I remember several years ago when we went to the Temple after it had been closed down for several weeks for annual maintenance. As the evening wore on, I kept hearing workers talk about all the new, beautiful paintings in the Temple. I stopped one of the Sisters and asked what paintings. She pointed out one that was right in front of me as being one of the new paintings. I looked at the painting and realized that I had never seen it before. I had been working in the Temple for several hours that night and probably walked past that painting a half dozen times and never actually looked at it. I then spent the next little while walking around the Temple again, but this time I looked at each painting. Most of them were new. How could I be so blind? I need to pray for guidance to SEE the unspoken needs of others who are right before my eyes. I want to serve like the Savior does. 

Our speakers in Sacrament meeting were awesome. I especially enjoyed our first speaker. He was a young 5-year-old little boy. He spoke on section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In particular he focused on the three degrees of glory. I was very impressed by how prepared he was and how great he did his presentation. Mom did a wonderful job of preparing him. 

In the afternoon we had our Personal Finances Class. I demonstrated the blank Bank Register Spreadsheet that I have created for them. I sent them each a copy after class. Steve facilitated the rest of the class. I love our class. We have wonderful discussions, and we are all learning something about managing our money. I love hearing some members say they are making better decisions and now have some money left over.

All Our Love,

Elder and Sister Wilcox