Happy Birthday, Amber!!!

Happy Birthday to this amazing daughter-in-law!!!

I am so blessed to have you in my life!!!

Your are- a good student, beautiful, sweet, a guinea pig lover, fun, a hard worker, talented, sometimes stressed, mostly happy, patient, motivated, spiritual, a good teacher, a perfect match for Alex, huggable, thoughtful, a fan of U. of U., adaptable, responsible, and a forever lover to Alex!!

I hope all your dreams come true!!! 

Love you, darling girl!

Missionary Monday: Elder F. in Ghana!

One of my favorite artists back in the U.S. said “I’ve achieved a lot in life, but what’s a lot with more to gain” and “I’ve been patient, never complacent”. This past week I talked to some of the return missionaries here in this area, and they have really helped me gain a better perspective on life and on missionary work. A lot of times in life I think we see things through narrow vision. We set our sights too low. We get caught up on small things. I see it happening to myself all the time. One of the most dangerous things that can happen to us is getting stuck on our successes. It is good to celebrate, but we should always be looking to expand and work harder. We should be patient, but never complacent. I am a firm believer that the adversary uses laziness and stagnation to deter us from our heavenly course. Don’t let him get the best of you.

The work here in this area is progressing well. Brother I. will hopefully be baptized this week. We are meeting new people all the time. One of the coolest things ever happened this week. Elder D. and I started teaching someone who Elder A. decided to drop from our teaching pool. We began teaching him and reminding him of the wonderful things he felt when he was taught the first time. In a lesson we taught him about the Holy Ghost and baptism, Elder D. felt prompted to do something really powerful. He looked at this brother and said “I want you to be silent for 60 seconds. All of us will be quiet and I really want you to focus on how you feel. I know that you will feel the Holy Ghost. When the 60 seconds is up, tell me how you feel.” We all went quiet. 5 seconds later, he exclaimed “I know that this is the truth!”  It was so amazing to see him find the truth so boldly and instantly. He is a man of great faith. He came to church on Sunday and I know he will progress well.

Life is great. We got water back. I am learning how to cook all sorts of great Ghanaian dishes. People here loooove cassava and plantain. They use it in almost everything. They also love pepper, which is alright with me! The soil in Ghana is very fertile, so a lot of people have farms, where they grow all their cassava and plantain. Ha. It is one of the most popular professions. People here are also super good with their hands. Seeing a Ghanaian in the kitchen will blow you away! The people here are absolutely amazing. I will send a video of me pounding fufu very soon. I am learning new things every single day and trying hard to become like a Ghanaian!

Have a great week everyone. Stay blessed.

-Elder F.

Sunday Best!

I belong to the greatest women’s organization on the earth!

It has been 175 years since it’s organization. It is called the

Relief Society

of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It was organized in 1842, and since then the women of the Relief Society have done so much to bless the lives of others. In this organization we call each other sister.

Linda K. Burton who is the President of the Relief Society today said, ““The First Presidency has told us who we are: beloved daughters of Heavenly Father and dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ who are part of a great worldwide sisterhood, there are almost 7 million Relief Society members in 185 different countries. We are sisters.”

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All adult women in the Church are members of Relief Society. The Prophet Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society on March 17, 1842. He taught that the Relief Society was organized for “the relief of the poor, the destitute, the widow and the orphan, and for the exercise of all benevolent purposes.” In addition, he taught that the Relief Society was “not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls.” The larger part of the work of Relief Society today is “to look after the spiritual welfare and salvation … of all the female members of the Church.” The Relief Society was “divinely made, divinely authorized, divinely instituted, divinely ordained of God.” It operates under the direction of priesthood leaders. (See Handbook 2, 9.1.2.)


When I think of the blessings I have received in my life from being a part of the Relief Society organization I am so grateful for it. I have not only been blessed by the service of my sisters in the Relief Society, but I have had the opportunity to bless other sisters with my service. It is such a blessing to be part of such a wonderful organization!

Happy Birthday Relief Society!!!

Hope your Sunday was the Best!!! Love, Joy

Happy Birthday, Flexy!!!

Happy Birthday to a sweet and loving son!!!

I am so blessed to have you in my life.

You are- a hard worker, a good provider, a chef, a handyman, patient, sensitive, strong, easy going, handsome, a good friend, spiritual, a good teacher, smart, responsible, quotable, slow and steady, my third child, so much fun, a sleep anywhere guy, my second son, a fan of South Africa, a giant soul, a soda lover, and a soda maker, a family guy, and a forever lover to Amber! 

I hope you have the best of everything! 

Love you, sweetie!!!

Doors! and St. Patrick!

I love to look at doors! The things shared on doors are always interesting and fun. The door above in my parents door. Of course it’s March, and I think we all become a little Irish in March. It’s just a fun holiday. 

A holiday celebrating, St Patrick who was kidnapped from his home in Britain, taken to Ireland, and held captive for years. He later escaped and returned home to his family. He became a priest and returned to Ireland. He is celebrated as the one who brought Christianity to Ireland. I love the idea that he was able to forgive the people who kidnapped him, and bring religion to them. Teaching us all that forgiveness is necessary to move forward and bless others. 

So, back to my parents home, and door. My mom loves to share cute and fun decorations on her door. I couldn’t resist taking a picture today when I went to visit them. I love this Celtic Cross and Irish Prayer.

“My God give you…

For every storm, a rainbow,

For every tear, a smile,

For every care, a promise,

And a blessing in each trial. 

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song,

And an answer to every prayer.

I hope we all enjoy the little lessons in history, and to celebrate them when the holiday comes!!! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!