Monday, April 29, 2024

April 23rd through April 29th, 2024

We enjoyed another week full of... traveling.  We just calculated that since arriving in Cheboygan nine weeks ago we have put 3,596 miles on our car and we love it!

We drove 156 miles to Mt Pleasant, Michigan for Zone Conference on the 23rd.  We have become the "back up helpers" for the Vehicle Coordinators at Zone Conference (because Elder Gibbons' volunteered us).  We inspected cars for tire tread and wear, first aid kits, emergency go backpacks, insurance cards etc.  Twice a car stopped and the driver said, "I just have to ask.  Why are all these Chevy Equinox cars lined up here?"  One of them was a van with Enterprise Rental Car driver's in it.  Elder Gibbons drove for them until we left for our mission. 
                    

Although you can't see them all, there were 35 cars.  All Chevy Equinox                         

Our Michigan Lansing Mission Presidency:
Left - President Smith
Center - President Peckham
Right - President Gentile (and he is ALWAYS as cheerful has he looks in this picture.  He is a dynamic teacher because of his energy.






With Sister Peckham who worked very hard providing lunch.  She gave some closing remarks which were the spiritual icing on the cake because she spoke from her heart.




 



Our fantastic Sisters (now a trio) currently serving in our District.  Sister Froelich, Sister Radmall and Sister Bridge (who is from San Tan Valley, AZ.  Anyone know her?)  They are so fun and so dedicated.  They have been rocking it in Petoskey!  Our Elders and Sisters love to be together at Zone Conference!





Saturday, April 27th, we were blessed to travel 265 miles to the Detroit Temple.  We had one of our Branch members with us and it was going to be his first time being in the Temple since having been baptized December 2022.  We helped him print family name cards for his parents and grandparents.  He said, "This is better than sitting home all day watching TV!"  He is about our age, and mostly homebound and uses a walker.  What a joy to see his joy.  He is the man at the left and these are other members of our Branch who went as well.

Brother Koller, Sister Gibbons, Elder Gibbons, Brother Hill, Sister Barrow, Sister Bendel, Brother Hetrick and Sister Pugh.

​​​The Detroit Temple is a smaller temple, but beautiful nevertheless.  We didn't get to see much of it since we were there with Brother Koller to baptisms only.  






On our way home, we caught some amazing skies and some torrential downpouring of rain.  Love this picture because it has so much symbolism in it.  Dark clouds, rays of sunshine, and even an opening between heaven and earth.   
​​Every fourth Sunday our Branch has a potluck meal after church.  Yesterday we had the most people at church that we have seen.  36 with us and 4 via Zoom.  We love these wonderful people!
As we continue to see some amusing sights as we drive throughout our Branch boundaries.  Military equipment in a front yard and evidence of how powerful wind is here--a huge downed tree between two houses that just happened to miss them both.
Lastly, one day this week we were sitting in the sun inside our car when we arrived at home.  We have taken to the habit of sitting in the warm car for a minute or two before we brave the cold, windy air and head into our house.  I looked down at our hands and to be totally honest, saw with disbelief, how old both of our hands looked.  When did this happen?  All we can say is that we sure hope we have used our hands for His good and will continue to try to do so all the days of our lives.  He lives and we love Him!
Summarizing Galatians 6:9-10, "And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap...As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men..." 

Monday, April 22, 2024

April 16th through April 22nd, 2024

 The words of the week?  Wondrous, wonder and wonderful signs.


Example number one:  My prayer one morning.  "Dear Father in Heaven.  Please help me to feel like a missionary today."  You see much of what we are doing here is exactly the same thing we were doing at home.  Looking for ways to be a friend and help everyone we know and meet.  Just like what many of you do.  We are assigned as what is called "Member Leader Support."  This means our first priority is helping in our Branch.  We lead music.  We say prayers.  We welcome people, etc.  It doesn't mean we are proselyting (knocking on doors) looking for someone to open the door and be interested in learning more of Christ.  

So back to my prayer...  As we have told you, we have been serving in a place called "the Lord's Kitchen."  I'll try to make a long story short (maybe), but the sign and wonder that occurred this week is in the story.  When we serve there, we do not preach or invite.  We serve, meet and get to know others.  The first week we went, there was a young woman about 24 years old who was entering the building at the same time and she was very welcoming and asked about us.  When she saw our missionary name badge, she asked, "Are you Mormon?" To which we said yes.  She wasn't unkind, but it was apparent that was enough for her.  

Fast forward two weeks and we see her again.  About the time we were finishing up, she came up to Elder Gibbons and asked if she could give him a hug.  I guess he looked really nice in his blue, "Lord's Kitchen" hat with a broom in his hands.  I walked up to join the conversation and Elder Gibbons went back to work.  Very nicely she said to me, "You know years ago I started to read the first book in the Book of Mormon.  I didn't like it.  It contradicted the Bible."  I gently replied that I was sorry she didn't like it, but was glad she made the attempt.  I responded that I had read it too and since it is another Testament of Jesus Christ I felt it brought me closer to Christ and didn't see any contradictions.  

Autumn is a sweet young woman who has had a very difficult life.  In spite of what she has been through, she LOVES Jesus!  Due to an accident on a horse at age 17 it left her with some brain damage and slowness in speech.  As she told me her story my heart filled with love for her.  I asked if I could give her a hug and told her I loved her and was so glad that we shared a love for Jesus.  About this time her husband came up.  She asked me for my phone number, which I gave her.  She also asked me if I had a Book of Mormon she could have.  Elder Gibbons being done, we all walked out to our car and her husband asked for his own copy of the Book of Mormon.  We pointed out the subtitle of the book, "Another Testament of Jesus Christ." and invited them to start in the section of 3 Nephi, the time the Savior appeared to the people on the American Continent.  I asked her if she would text me her number.  We said our goodbyes.  Before we got home, she had texted me her number.

So why the long story?  Because it is so important to see the signs and wonders of God each day.  First, he heard my prayer-- a sign that he loves me and that He answers prayers.  He answered mine in a most unexpected way.  Through a wondrous conversation with a very special daughter of God He showed me He is giving me opportunities to feel like a missionary for Him.  I won't take time to point out all the signs and wonders she or I experienced that day, but I invite you to look for more in what I wrote.

Example Two:  In previous emails we have mentioned Sheree and Arthur to you.  If you've read our emails, you will know from the moment we met in a hospital room visiting Arthur (who we did not know) Sheree has been seeking more knowledge about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Another long story short... okay maybe I can't accomplish that, but keep reading anyway, LOL...  After the death of her brother a couple weeks ago she went to Texas to visit her sister and stayed over a week.  On her way home, she called us from the airport and said, "I want to talk to you when I get home.  I don't want to do it on the phone."  When she got home that day, Arthur was back in the hospital unexpectedly so she called and said she couldn't meet us as planned, but she continued, "I want to do baptisms in the Temple on the 27th with the Church Branch," and asked, "What do I need to do?"  We explained that first she would need to be baptized herself into the Church and she said, "I want to be baptized."  There are many principles and doctrines a person needs to understand, believe in and accept before they make a covenant with the Lord and be baptized.  Indeed when baptized we make a commitment to follow Him and do as He does.  Yesterday both Arthur and Sheree came to Sacrament Meeting and stayed for the second hour, that it just so happens Elder Gibbons and I were teaching lesson one of the Temple Preparation classes (that is all about The Plan of Salvation, Happiness and Redemption made possible only through Jesus Chirst) at the request of our Branch President.  After church was over, they came back to our house where we began to teach both of them about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We invited them (because that is what missionaries do) to pray about what they had learned, not to take our word, and to ask Father in Heaven if these things are true.  Sheree, and hopefully Arthur as well, will both be baptized in the next couple of weeks.  She has asked Elder Gibbons to baptize her.  

So what are these signs and wonders?  We believe it is wondrous to know that God is real.  We are His children and He loves us.  We believe it is a sign that He is, and wants to be, involved in the very details of our lives.  We think it is wondrous that He puts people in our paths to bless us and that we can bless.  We think it is wondrous that He lets us be part of His work in bringing His children back home to the Father where we can live together forever with Them!  Don't you?  Look, seek and see.  Evidence is all around us.

Example Three:  We had the opportunity on Thursday to take one of the Branch members with us to help the President cut, move and stack several big, downed trees on his 25 acres of land.  Why did I not take a picture?!  There is a lot of wind here that comes off of the lake and he lives near Lake Huron.  He had a couple professional people there with big equipment, but we were the clean-up crew.  The young adult man we took with us, Joshua, is a very quiet and dedicated newer member of the Branch whose life was changed by his choice to turn away from wrong and towards the Savior.  It is a sign to me that God can take any one of us who makes decisions contrary to God's happiness, and completely and wondrously change our hearts.  Sometimes it can happen, what feels to be, overnight and other times it takes years.  But, as Elder Kearon said in his General Conference talk (one of our favorites this time) God does not put roadblocks in our path, but He can help us get around those roadblocks.  And this is what Elder Kearon said that touched my heart, "God is in relentless pursuit of you."  All because He loves us.

Epilogue:  Yesterday afternoon, I texted Autumn to ask how she was enjoying her Sunday.  She asked if she could call me.  While on the phone together the three of us prayed for her, for her husband and for difficult family relationships.  We do not know how our friendship will progress, but lest anyone think our time here is all about baptisms, please know that it is about many other things too.  If loving and lifting someone, inviting them to Christ and helping them feel His love isn't important then what is?  If doing so leads them to a baptism and blessings, then how wondrous is that?

Only two pictures to attach this week.  One is a box of "Arizona sunshine," a.k.a. a box full of lemons that our very sweet friend, Libby Francis, mailed to us this week.  Can I tell you how wonderful it was to get home after a long, windy day and see it on our doorstep.  Thank you, Libby!  NOTE:  I still don't know which family member or friend sent me the beautiful sweater a few weeks ago.  Who are you?  Second picture is what my hair looks like after being out in the wind.  😄
Actually my hair looks pretty messy in both pictures!

Monday, April 15, 2024

April 9th through April 15th - Our Family Has Grown!

 This was a week of what felt like blessing after blessing. 


On Wednesday, April 10th, at 2:01 PM Arizona Time our newest grandchild was born to our youngest son, Ammon, and his wife, Sarah.  Meet Hudson Ammon Gibbons.  We are so grateful he and Sarah are both doing great.  
BLESSING

BLESSING
On Sunday, April 14th, we celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary.  After church yesterday we sat on the couch with the warm sun coming through the living room window and remembered all the ways we have been blessed to serve together, the places we have been able to visit together and the family we have been able to share together.  
Eleven children (along with their spouses.)  
Now 36 grandchildren.  
13 Great Grandchildren. 
 Here's a throwback picture.
    Here is a board on a wall back home of all our grandchildren (except Hudson, of course).  Most of them are grown up now and some are married and have children of their own.


THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS AND BLESSINGS
A mission is all about people and there are good people in this world.  It is a blessing to serve with, and alongside, them.  
*  Making a Happy Birthday book for one of our sisters who loves turtles, Camille.  She lives alone and mentioned it has been years since she had a birthday celebration.  Well we couldn't throw a party for her, but I did make her some cookies and took her the little, 8-page book with different pictures of turtles with her as the main character.  She is a blessing to many people, including us.  I think she liked it!
*  We spent several hours helping a brother in our Ward set up his login for Family Search (the genealogy website of the Church.)  He is going to the Detroit Temple on the 27th for the first time to do baptisms for his deceased ancestors, starting with his Dad (see 1 Corinthians 15:29 to see reference to these baptisms during Jesus' time.)  I was able to help him print the cards needed for him.  This will be a life-changing time for him as he blesses his family.  It truly deepens one's faith and connects us to them and to eternity.
*  Saturday was a blast.  Two young Sister Trainers from an area about 45 minutes south of here asked to come spend the day with us.  As trainers they are to watchover the other sister missionaries, train as needed and support efforts in our assigned area.  I loved knocking on doors and talking with people with Sister Wilson and Sister Noble who served here in Cheboygan for six months last year.  It was such a blessing to have her here because she was able to introduce me to friends she had been teaching.   Like a dingaling, I forgot to take a picture with them.  Also, If anyone knows Sister Harley Noble, let me know.  I recall someone in the Gilbert Temple telling me to watch for her because they know her and I cannot remember who it was!
*  This Sunday was our monthly Fast and Testimony meeting.  I realized as I listened to the simple, sweet testimonies of some of our Branch members what a blessing they are to me.  One might think I am here to bless them, but in fact they are a blessing to me.  So many of them (most of them in fact) have more trials than seems "fair."  One sister in particular yesterday deeply touched my heart.  To be honest, to see her it would be easy to overlook her potential (and I mean that with kindness.)  But the sincere words that came out of her mouth showed her love for the Savior and the Father.  
*  We finally met our new Senior Missionary Couple, Elder and Sister Nixon.  We will see them each Wednesday at our District Councils in Petoskey.  They are from Utah...imagine that.  They are a happy and fun couple.  They will be a blessing to Sister Froelich and Sister Radmall (both also from Utah) in Petoskey.
*  We have mission-wide devotionals usually three mornings a week.  Sorry if I have already told you that.  This last week we played General Conference Jeopardy via Zoom and the questions and answers were from General Conference talks we listened to a week ago.  I'm telling you these young Elders and Sisters are sharp.  We didn't win.  LOL.  But we are used to that!  Once a week we play Scripture Mastery Kahoot in an evening with our Zone by Zoom as well.  Sorry if I told you that already too. We won't even mention how we are on the bottom of the scoreboard every week.  Hasn't Zoom become such a blessing?!  Who would think something good came out of Covid?  But the opportunities we have as a mission to meet together this way helps us all keep focused and minimizes discouragement.

Here's to another wonderful week!  We hope you know how much we love you and how we hope you are all doing well.  We invite you to remember (in the words of a song)...

"When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

Gratitude goes a long, long way if you are seeking joy in your life.  

Monday, April 8, 2024

April 2nd through April 8th, 2024

What a fantastic weekend of General Conference and listening to prophets and apostles teach us.  It is... I can't think of the right word... amazing doesn't suffice, to think that all over the world there could have been 17 million members of the Church (and hopefully some of our friends) listening and learning what we are counseled to do to prepare ourselves for the day the Savior will return and to one day live with God again.  There were talks about Temples, about making covenants that connect us to Christ, about love and unity, about the impact of our words and The Word, about being valiant in our testimonies of Christ, integrity, having clear spiritual vision and spiritual momentum.  And so much more.  It all centers on our relationship with Christ.  The very thing we are striving to do here in Michigan--invite everyone to Christ.  He is the only real solution to the problems our world is facing.

We watched all five sessions of General Conference at our small church building.  We spent a couple hours one day last week sending an individual invitation to all the Branch Members we had emails for, inviting them to watch or join us to watch.  We sent out emails to people who have asked questions about the Church that we had emails for.  If our emails encouraged one person who chose to listen, whether at home or at the building, it was worth the effort.  Here is a picture of those few who gathered at the building.                                                                                                                           
Last speaker President Russell M. Nelson
This week we had our last District Facebook Chat with Elder and Sister Rollins.  They left today to return home to Canada.  Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday each District starts the day together on Facebook Chat with a spiritual thought and a prayer together.  
Our new Senior Missionaries arrived in Petoskey to take their place about an hour ago.  We will meet the Nixon's on Wednesday at our weekly District Council.  And we got some exciting news this week too.  One that we have been praying for.  We got a call from the Mission Housing Coordinator asking us to do some scouting for an available apartment or house here in Cheboygan because in the middle of May (the next "transfer") we will be getting a set of young Elders here to help us in finding and teaching people.  Housing here is very scarce, but the Lord is truly in the work. Just so happened that our RS President gave us the number of a woman who has a couple of apartments here and she had just got notice from one of her tenants that he is moving out on May 1st.  No coincidences.  Can't wait to find out who is going to be assigned here.

We found a place to do some service here.  It is called "The Lord's Kitchen."  They get funding in connection with Compassionate Ministries and the Nazarene Church here has a building where they provide showers, laundry facilities and serve lunch each day.  We had a great time helping and making new friends.  We told them we would be back every Friday from 11 AM to 1:30 PM to help and they were so grateful.  We got to serve the food to those who came and it was heart-warming to feel their gratitude and kindness.  Not one of them didn't say please and thank you.  There is such a need for help all over the world.  My brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Karen, do a lot of work in Modesto, California helping with such kinds of ministries.             I would like to think our dad and mom are smiling from heaven seeing this.
Meet Joan, Dennis, Wynne (the Pastor's Wife), Lisa and Pam
Meet Dishwasher Duane, a.k.a. Elder Gibbons
We have started to make such wonderful friends here.  Mary has a little dog named Tilley that we walk.  Elder Gibbons loves to tease Mary-- who is a self-proclaimed former Hippie from Berkeley.  She kept threatening to beat him with a pool noodle so we bought her one and put his name on it.  
Lastly, today we were able to witness the Eclipse.  Mary bought us, and some others, glasses to watch with.  It didn't ever become complete, but it was pretty darn close.  It was supposed to be cloudy, but Mary insisted she prayed for sun and she got it.
The Glasses Gang - Elder Gibbons, Sister Gibbons, Mary, Shauna, Camille
Mary's first reaction was priceless!
Wonder Women - in awe.

Through the special glasses in front of the lens of the camera.  It didn't really look like this.  It was never completely covered, but it was crescent shaped.  Ahh the wonders of the world.

So, the Cheboygan County Fairgrounds is nearby.  Anyone in need of a hatchet?  
The fair happens in August.  We understand that summers draw lots of people and there are lots of activities.  Can't wait!  

Monday, April 1, 2024

March 26 through April 1, 2024

We attended a wonderful Sacrament Meeting yesterday (23 people attended) and enjoyed an Easter Dinner at our Relief Society President's home, Cindy Pugh, along with her husband, Garry.  We appreciated the invitation since we had decided not to do an Easter dinner here for ourselves.  We briefly texted family back home just wanting them to know we love them and are thinking of them... missing them too.

We have had the opportunity to spend more time with our friends, Sheree and Arthur.  Sheree has been to Church five weeks in a row.  She attended David's baptism last week.  I asked her how she felt and she told me she felt home and that this was where she belonged.  I believe I mentioned in an earlier email that she asked us to visit her 50 year old brother in a care facility.  She told us that he was placed on Hospice so we went by this week.  He was unable to communicate by words, but before we left we asked if we could sing him a song (yes, us) and we sang "I Am A Child of God."  He turned his head to Sheree with a big smile and then turned back to us with a huge smile and watched us finish the song.  It was a sweet, tender moment.  He has been special needs all his life and we could feel his goodness.  A couple of days later, he learned he passed away.  Sheree wasn't going to have a funeral for him, but wanted a short graveside service in a little town she grew up in called Spruce about 2 hours away.  We asked if we could come, but she said no it was too far away.  The day before Jack's burial, she called and asked if we would come and "pray over Jack's grave" for her.  We went and Elder Gibbons dedicated the grave.  There was about twelve other people there and probably 8 of them were special needs friends of Jack's from the place he lived most of his adult life.  We know, and testify, that because Jesus was resurrected Jack (and we) will be too.  We know he was a choice son of God and will be given the opportunity to be whole and complete and that he is enjoying this blessing now.

On our two hour drive we saw our first Amish carriage.  As you might know, they do not use motorized vehicles and they don't take pictures of themselves considering it vain.  We took a picture from behind so you can't see the horse.  They appear to be a sweet and simple people.
We went to visit a sister in our Branch and her husband and she had a granddaughter visiting.  Meet our new friend, Vivian.  She gave me a necklace she had just made (it has little Easter baskets) and then a picture of Jesus on the Cross that she drew.  Grandma had just taken her to Goodwill and bought her some tap shoes and she was practicing some new moves.  I was tempted to show her some.  Afterall, I took tap lessons for a few weeks when I was her age.  Didn't enjoy ballet, so tap was the next best thing.  LOL.

On Saturday we went to Sister Richard's house (David's--who was baptized--grandparents house.  Elder Gibbons and I were going to help Grandpa fix Sweet Pea's (the turkey) coop.  Sister Pugh and her husband asked to come as well.  So the three men attempted to fix it, but didn't end up having all the needed materials.  They made a good attempt for now.
Elder Gibbons can make anything fun... if he can stay warm doing it.  It was 35 degrees and he was out there for about 2 1/2 hours.  This is what his hair looked like after taking off his beanie that he wore underneath the hood of his jacket.  I am surprised he let me take his picture.  I don't know if you know this about Elder Gibbons, but he is very particular about his hair.
I have posted a picture of Sweet Pea before, but this is her in full stature out of her pen.  She actually scared me a bit because she was strutting right for me showing off her plumage.  Do turkeys even have plumage?  
One evening after returning home, we were sitting in our office.  It had rained a bit and we looked out to see a beautiful sight in our backyard.  First, I will show you what it actually looks like right now...
 But with the sun going down and the rain just stopping here is what it looked like.  So gorgeous!
Let me end today by sharing a link to an Easter message posted from a Prophet of God.  I found it because our daughter, Nicole, shared it on her Facebook.  Such loving words of counsel about forgiveness.