Growth through Change or Change through Growth...

First, some explanation for my friends who are not members of the Mormon church.
We place great pride in our organization. You need help immediately?  Done with one phone call.  Natural disaster needing teams?  Again one phone call, crews respond immediately.  We are a close, nurturing bunch of people.  We also do not choose where we attend church.  One of the blessings of our world-wide organization is that we all believe and teach exactly the same thing.  "One faith, one baptism."   Geographical boundaries are set for our Wards (congregations).  Several wards become a Stake.  As the church continues to grow, new Wards and Stakes are formed and the kingdom continues to grow, "the stone without hands that fills the earth."  Exciting to participants and observers.

Our family began attending  the Pinnacle Mountain Ward, Little Rock Stake  33 years ago, after moving from Minnesota. Because our church has no paid ministry, we have each served in almost every calling there is. Our family fingerprints are literally all over that lovely building on the corner of Rodney Parham and I-630.  We have taught, prayed, sung, blessed babies, seen our children (and many others) baptized.  We have cleaned, organized, and gardened at the building.  We can find anything in that kitchen for you.  The stage and gym have seen basketball, volleyball, roadshow, Christmas, primary talent shows, always with Pierson, Gustafson or Clausen family members participating.  Testimonies have been strengthened and borne thousands of times in the sacred chapel.  Each of our children were taught "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" within those walls by hundreds of devoted, loving saints whom we love with all our hearts.

This weekend changes are occurring.  Sufficient growth necessitates the creation of a new stake, moving the Maumelle Mormons into North Little Rock Ward and Stake. Our daughters and families will lead the way for us as they are part of this weekend's reorganization.   Upon our return from our mission we will attend church in a different building with the opportunity to learn to love many new saints. Families we have loved for decades, many in their third generation in the gospel in Arkansas, we will rarely see.

We have had some very fun discussions lately about the challenge and joy of change.  We came upon an analogy that seems right for us.  Would you like to see some photos of our early Spring Arkansas garden?

Now our connection.  As our garden has grown, we have become great at dividing plants, sometimes brutally.  When the once- beautiful plant becomes root bound, the growing and blossoming is compromised.  All of the energy goes inward.  When this occurs, we dig it up, shake the soil from the roots, look within the roots for the beginnings of a new plant then pull it apart carefully, if possible.  When that doesn't work, the spade or shovel comes out and force is applied.  We can get as many as 6 new plants from the "mother".   We then lovingly place the new plant in a well prepared spot with loose, fertile soil and nutrients already placed in the hole.  Watering and watchful care results in strong, beautiful plants with strong root systems of their own.

The same thing happens to us as we allow our roots to become root bound.  We may treat ourselves too gently and resist opportunities to grow.  Change is hard and not always convenient.   We love the truth that nothing is so unchanging, so inevitable as change itself.  The things we see, touch and feel are always changing. Our relationships are always changing.  However,there is a constant that allows us to use change for our own good, and that constant is the revealed eternal truths of our Heavenly Father.

When we added a rock path leading from the street to the front door, our boys were not pleased.  Gone was second and third base.  In fact the front yard ball field was cut in half.  As they "participated" in ground leveling, sand and stone hauling, excavating and planting the azaleas, they were really not happy.  When we were done, they agreed the results were worth the effort.

We have always loved this C.S. Lewis quote;
"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” 

As we were enjoying the spirit, testimony and love from our new friends in the Zelenograd Ward today, we both commented how much we have learned and grown through our mission experience.  The change from this life to a life with Him who is our Eternal Father is the ultimate goal to which meaningful change can bring us.  As we allow ourselves to be pruned (changed), nourished and sometimes have our roots shaken a bit, we continue to be drawn toward His light.  We can then "bloom where we are planted".  

We are posting more garden pictures..
Thanks to Alyssa and Ed, we will return just in time to enjoy this beauty in 2015.  Arkansas springs almost hurt your eyes.  

 During growing seasons, we search each day for how our garden has changed and excitedly await the glory of perennials we haven't seen for awhile.  As we are challenged to reach deeper, we often find we are more than we thought we were.  We truly can become what the Lord wants us to become.  So exciting!

Following the path...

Winter has hit Moscow in earnest and our rosy cheeks and steamy breath attest to the sub zero air.  We feel so Russian!  As we waited for the bus this morning, I felt grateful for the beavers who sacrificed their lives so that I could inherit this all-enveloping coat!  I didn't buy it so  please spare me the animal rights argument.  Besides, we don't eat hamburgers.   For Moscow winters, there is nothing better.  I will happily pass it on when we leave.  Not much need in Arkansas.

We are also grateful, daily, for these unseen hands who brave the frigid early morning air to remove the new layers of snow and scatter salt crystals on the sidewalks and roads, making it easier for all of us to get where we need to go, safely.   I thought of this today as we walked to the
church from the bus stop.


We started off on a wide boulevard, cleared by big machines...

Then a broad sidewalk, made smooth by giant shovels,

and finally the well-worn foot path, leading to the chapel...

and finally, our chapel (yes, some folks drive)...

As we carefully followed the little-used path, compared to the boulevard, I was again grateful for those who went before, physically but especially spiritually, showing me and those I love the path we will all need to follow as we seek to become one with our Father in Heaven and His precious Son, Jesus Christ.  

"Strait is the gate...narrow the way"

"Follow thou me'

CONNECTION TO YOGA...

I truly love yoga.  I love my practice and I love teaching.   I am often asked about the spiritual underpinnings of yoga and, as much as I love it, it is not the gospel, 

Yoga helps calm our too-busy minds, helps us breathe deeply, opens up our joints and makes us stronger but all of this is a means to an end, not an end in itself.

The discipline of my practice has allowed me to more fully feel the love that my Heavenly Father has for me.  As I focus on that love, I feel complete, seeking only a continuation of that love. My prayers deepen, scriptures come alive and I want only to serve Him well.  

The peace and joy we feel in our missionary work fills our hearts to overflowing.   

 To help others feel that love, hopefully radiating from us, is our every prayer.  Whether i in our mission relationships, riding the metro or bus, shopping or helping out in the ward or teaching yoga, we want to t

We love this scripture "Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world.  Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up" 3 Nephi 18:24

We love this opportunity to hold up His light.   

The Spirit of God is truly burning...

As I sat in Sacrament meeting this morning in the Zelenograd Ward, trying to keep up with the fiery rendition of the opening song, "The Spirit of God, Like a Fire is Burning", I was  so focused on keeping up with the Russian words that it wasn't until the last verse that I looked around at the looks on the faces of the ward members around me and realized that they were truly singing their testimonies.

Beginning with the dedication of the Kirtland, Ohio temple in 1836, this song of the restoration has been sung in every temple dedication.  I have always felt my heart quicken when I hear or sing this song.  As I heard these powerful Russian voices belt it out, hardly looking at the book, I knew I was seeing the burning taking place.  These are people with deep, mature testimonies who love each other, the Lord and His Gospel.

Last week, we were moved by the baptism of a fine Russian soldier who had been taught by a fellow soldier the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are stationed two hours away from the nearest church meetings but the missionaries were able to visit him for his initial lessons and many members skyped with him, adding their testimonies and helping with questions.  The joy on his face as he came up from the baptism water was beyond words.  He truly feels the love the Savior has for him and knows the power of the atonement in his life.

Our Relief Society lesson was taught with testimony and knowledge.  Olga has been a church member for about 15 years.

  

  I thought of my own sweet sister who, a few hours later would be teaching the exact same lesson to her ward in Kansas. All over the world, the teachings are the same.  Amazing.

I also just finished compiling the December newsletter for our CES ;missionary couples throughout Eastern Europe.  I have to share some of what they have accomplished.  I am so impressed by their efforts.
Like all LDS missionaries, these are volunteers who pay their own way to spend 1 1/2 to 2 years serving the youth  of the church.  They mostly work the "swing shift", staying up late teaching, loving, providing a safe  place for youth to gather and, of course, feeding the kids.  The joke is that CES stands for Cooking Every Second. .Not far from  the truth.     They work so hard.  They work closely with YSA Councils, building leadership for the future.  They also train and encourage native speaking volunteer teachers throughout their assigned area.

Some December highlights from our newsletter-
VLADIVOSTOK, RUSSIA- Our CES couple taught the students  to record their own histories and testimonies on "metal plates" made from poster paper covered with aluminum foil.  Inscribing tools were dulled toothpicks.  Two stories from Vladivostok:

1.  A young woman had been attending family home evening and Institute for months.  She knew she needed to be baptized as she was touched by the testimony of a recently returned missionary.

2.  A young man who was investigating the church came to the New Year's eve party for awhile then left to join his friends at another party.  He surprised everyone when he returned about 11:30, explaining that he much preferred the humble party with no drinking, smoking or immoral behavior at the Young Adults party.  He left a few days later for a short visit to the US and planned to read the Book of Mormon on the long flight.

KHARKOV, UKRAINE- Service was the theme for the Youth in Bulgaria.  Our missionary couple assisted them in purchasing, assembling, stitching and then helped them distribute dozens of quilts to the elderly in this very cold country.  Not easy work.




The Institute tree in Kharkov was decorated with small pictures of the life of Christ, mounted on shiny paper.  Testimonies of the young adults and missionaries were recorded on the back.

BULGARIA- The year ended with the young adults joining to complete their reading again of the Book of Mormon.  All of the Blulgarian member were challenged to read but the Young Adults wanted to end together, sharing testimony of the truth.

NIZHNY-NOVGOROD, RUSSIA-- Our couple and the YSA council planned Christmas dinner for 50, bought for 60, 120 showed up. Elder and Sister Jones kept praying for "loaves and fishes". and somehow it worked.  Miraculously, there was plenty and some to send home.  

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA  -Dec. 7 brought Seminary and Institute students together to commemorate the life of Joseph Smith.  Matching games helped the youth learn more about the Prophet of the Restoration.  A traditional Russian meal followed.

These are just a tiny taste of the burning fire that is going forth, bringing the joy of the gospel to the children of God throughout the earth.  We are blessed to see a small part.

The fire is burning for those who choose to see it.  We pray we can keep up with all that God expects us to do to bring about His purposes.

I felt the symbolismc as we sang "The Spirit of God"...I stumbled through to the end, catching up with the rest of the congregation  with the words, "Ameen and Ameen!"

IT'S STILL CHRISTMAS!

Missionaries are the best.  We are uplifted by their spirit and energy and their love for this Gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy that it brings.  As the rest of the Christian world is putting away the trappings of Christmas, we are still in the swing.
Our mission party last Saturday brought out the festive in us all.  After the delicious ham dinner prepared and presented by the senior missionaries,everyone joined voices, . beginning with the traditional American carols, ," Silver Bells?" (missionaries from other countries, including Russian, German, French, Austrian and Italy had no clue).  As the program  moved into the international standards, we were all on the same page.

Each district or zone prepared it's own entry.  So much talent and so much fun.

Even the Senior missionaries didn't sound bad at all...

Beautiful voices and  instruments brought us all to tears.

The program ended with Silent Night being sung in the native languages of the missionaries serving: Russian, Spanish, German, French, Italian and finally English.  Different words, same feeling.

We know and love so many of these servants of the Lord serving  here in Moscow.  All missionaries sacrifice years of their lives and means in total devotion to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Few have worked and prayed as hard as they do now.  

Few have felt so sustained and loved as they do now.  We all know the feeling, now so familiar, of being in the "spiritual bubble" of testimony and truth and such joy.

We are blessed.

BOLSHOI SPLENDOR

Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker performed at the glittering gem, the Bolshoi theater.  Russians are justifiably proud of this two century old performing arts center.  It was as dazzling as we expected it to be.  How fun to be joined by 20 or so friends for this memorable evening 

Seating for the Czar and Czarina

So, for another week or so, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Life and Light of the World

We reached the shortest day of the year last week.  Here in the north country, we are conscious of the low angle of the sun.  Even mid day finds the light soft and quiet.  We don't really see full light until 10:00 and 4:00 brings the darkness again.

We were privileged this week to spend time is Pereslavll Zalessky, one of the ancient cities of the Golden Ring, a collection of cities northeast of Moscow.  They played a significant role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox church.  Together they preserve the memory of the most important events in Russian history.

Pereslavl was founded in 1152 with the building of Saviors Cathedral.  many convents and monasteries  dot the city.  We loved walking the neighborhoods, filled with churches, enjoying the culture and history..  We were impressed with the restoration of these religious buildings in just two decades since the 70 years of being closed/  A very large monastery was  converted to a tractor factory and a place to house German prisoners in WWII.

The mild weather allowed hours of observing the charm and fun of a Russian winter..  We slid down hills (not very gracefully) and I managed to conk my head in a total head over heels fall on a sheet of ice.  No lasting damage, as far as I can tell.  Thank goodness for tons of hair. We had so much fun.

I also noted the soft slant of the sun.  I couldn't help but feel the symbolism of the gospel of Jesus Christ bringing light to this land that had endured such darkness for centuries.  We see it in the radiance of a people who for generations have endured the "dark night of the soul".  As the gospel of Jesus Christ takes root in their hearts, they feel the joy of His atoning sacrifice and fear and despair are swept away.

Last  week, because of a speaking assignment, we attended a different ward.  The adult Sunday School class was taught (emergency substitute) by Lina, a radiant woman we had not seen since her baptism two months ago.  She taught with a firm reliance on the   scriptures and her own powerful testimony to bring the lesson to life.  The spirit was strong and you would never have known she had about 10 min. to prepare.

 As I reflected on the Lina we knew  as she was taught by the missionaries, we were astounded at her growth.  The light of Christ radiates from her and so many others who have allowed the gospel to teach and testify of Him.

Many people here in Russia use powerful artificial light to fight the "winter blues".  I love the insight given by an LDS scholar, Douglas T. Bentley.  He suggests that we "picture a darkened room at midday.  If we were to open the blinds, the room would immediately be flooded with light, which would displace the darkness.  Now let's reverse the situation for a minute.  Imagine being in a lighted room at midnight  If we open the blinds will the room suddenly be flooded with the darkness from outside?  Of course not.  But...why?  What is there about light that makes it so different from darkness?  Light will repel darkness, but darkness has no power over light.  In fact, all that darkness appears to be, is the absence of light."

The light of the Gospel is allowing Jesus Christ, the Savior of the word, to repel the darkness of the world.  We are seeing it happen daily.

In our search for a good restaurant, we stopped a fine looking young prosecuting attorney who, thankfully, spoke some English and was eager to help us.  He walked us to a taxi stop, instructed the driver and saw us safely off.  He knew something about Salt Lake City and Mormons and was curious about us and what we were teaching, as missionaries..

 In our rush, we realized we hadn't taken any information about him.  The next day, in our exploring, we encountered the same man again.  This time we got his phone number.  He wants to come to church in Moscow, where he often spends weekends.  Coincidence?  I don't think so.

So many scriptures testify of the light of Christ.  Some we love:  D&C11:29-  "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  I am the life and light of the world."
"He, (Christ) is the light and the life of the world;  yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened"{Mosiah 16:9)

Just as the dim, slanted sun light is gradually growing here, the gospel will continue to grow and bring the light of Christ to these people we love.  "I am the light which shineth in darkness".  (D%C
110:57-58).. Let the sunshine in...

Our Own Christmas Miracle

Just about anyone who knows me also knows that I am pretty deaf.  I have 80 percent hearing loss in each ear so I am totally dependent on my precious hearing aids, I call them Connies because they are my connection to the world. I am grateful for technological advances that allow me to function pretty well, unlike my grandfather who for decades was entombed in a wall of silence or my singing, people loving, story telling father who was shut out of most conversations because the 1970s apple size appliances weren't much help.

Mine are fabulous.  I love them and I treasure them but I take them out during our noisy, bumpy metro rides.  Late Christmas Eve found us returning from a very fun senior couples party. The metro was packed and I couldn't get to the box in my bag where I carry my connies so Elder Pierson offered his pocket.  When we reached home, one of the connies was gone.  We were heartsick.

It was now well past midnight but Elder Pierson grabbed the flashlight and backtracked to the metro station. No connies.   We reviewed all of the possibilities.  Could it have come out as he pulled out his phone or glasses on the hour long metro ride?  Maybe when he reached for the keys as we got closer to home.

Our mood was not very festive as we headed for bed.  Neither of us slept well as we tried to think how we could replace my precious little machine. If it was on the metro, with a daily ridership of 9 million people, a lost and found would probably not be an option.

Christmas morning revealed that Santa never found our little apartment  Nothing under our tree.
As we looked at each other, "You didn't get me anything?" Really?  When you are glued together as we are, it's not easy to spring a surprise, so we didn't.

Months ago when family members  asked us what they could send, we were adamant that it was too expensive, maybe packages wouldn't get here and we were just fine.  Brave words in October that seemed not to apply to homesick missionaries on Christmas morning.  Add the real downer of my missing world connector and we were pretty glum.

My husband had carefully covered the blocks on our homeward route several times but in the early afternoon we headed to the store.  Looking carefully around, Dick spied a baby's binky and asked me if it might give me some comfort.  His next words were "Here it is!"   It was lying in the
snow, at the edge of the sidewalk, where hundreds had walked that day.  \

We still can't figure out how it got there.  I know he had checked that area over and over and it wasn't there.  We consider it the tenderest of mercies.  We know God is guiding and blessing us every moment we are privileged to serve Him.

Hosting these wonderful missionaries in our home for dinner  and then seeing their excitement as they were able to skype with their families (they are able to do it twice a year), we were reminded again of the miracle of this experience. Their families were from other parts of East Europe to Philadelphia to the mountain west.   Having been on the receiving end of many of these calls from our own missionaries, it was nice to be able to give these very focused, spiritually mature young people some love and support.  They are amazing missionaries.

So your Christmas is over?  Here in Russia we are just getting started!  Our sweet apartment supervisor, Lada, was excited that I was taking a picture of her hanging the decorations today.
Russians celebrate New Year's holidays (Jan. 1-5) then Christmas on Jan. 7 (Gregorian calendar)
so we are still loving this Christmas music, gifts and food!

Our message for YSA

Tonight we were the featured speakers at the Moscow young adults at their monthly fireside.  My handsome, knowledgeable, filled-with-the spirit companion gave counsel on prayers-answered as would like or not.  He gave the example of an insightful family member who noted the comforting presence of the Lord through significant life events.  Some prayers were answered as hoped, some were not, but the comforting warmth of the spirit was the same.
As we bring our own will in alignment with the Lord's, we are content to accept His will for us
These are really great youth.  Very mature in the gospel and faithfully keeping their covenants.

.My message was about the transformation of the shepherds in the Luke 2 account of Christ's birth.  They went from a bunch of paid workers hanging out with the sheep, passing time to men who could not be kept back from happily sharing their enthusiastic testimony of the coming of the Son of God.  How blessed we are to feel that same joy, bringing light to ALL people.  The more light we let in, the happier we are.  I listed the 7 reasons why, because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have nothing to worry about and we are under covenant to fully live the "great plan of happiness".
My family has heard this many times but experts say that we have to hear something at least 8 times before it starts to register.  For those of you who haven't passed 5, I would be happy to send you a copy.  (These thoughts didn't originate with me, but I love them and know they are true!)

We have enjoyed the happy combination of warmish (low 30s) temperatures with abundant, fluffy white snow.  Red Square has been transformed into a wonderland, St. Basils is background to the small craft huts (renniks) selling all things Russian. The warmth is beautiful for strolling but not good for the melting ice sculptures and slushy skating rink.  We are so taken with the joy of this happy, happy season.  Magical.