Catching Up. . . Again

Marci and Ruth Ann and some of Marci's creations

My life seems to be the hurrieder I go the behinder I get!  I can't believe it is October already.  My daughter, Flori, asked me the other day if now the "bloom" so to speak of our arrival is past are we missing our old life.  To be honest, it feels like we have been here forever and we are so engrossed in teaching and serving that we don't have time to think of much else.  Don't get me wrong, we miss children, grandchildren, family and friends, but it is more wondering what they are up to rather than homesickness.  I should have prefaced those remarks by saying we haven't been faced with any major holidays and events (like grandchildrens' baptisms) yet, so we'll have to wait and cross those bridges when we come to them because that could be a completely different story.

We are getting excited to see Maggie and her kids in 10 days.  They are coming for the weekend while Justin is at a conference.  It will be our first "space" test.  Maggie will also be speaking at our Friday Forum so I am looking forward to that.  I think we will do pulled pork sandwiches that week.

Marci and Brackon Curtis

We have been busy the last two weeks.  We went to Houston twice.  Once to the temple(it was a Spanish session and I foolishly thought I could keep up with it so I didn't use the headphones, aargh!) and once to see our cousin, John Livingstone's daughter, Marci Curtis and her husband Bracken.  They just moved to Cypress from California.  We had a great visit.  Marci is so talented and can take anything and make a useful piece of furniture or decoration from it.  I am always envious of her imagination and get after it ability.

I have had some great experiences in teaching.  I always feel like my ability to share great moments after the fact is diluted when I go to share it, but I had such a sweet moment last Tuesday.  As I have mentioned before, I struggle trying to remember exact scripture references and have been trying to increase that ability to more easily draw upon the scriptures and teach by the Spirit plus try to ask questions that help make the discussions we have more personal and meaningful.  Often, as I study and prepare lessons, there will be a scripture that talks about how to be taught by the Spirit and I was frankly feeling pretty discouraged about why I didn't seem to have that help when I was seeking it so earnestly.  Last Monday evening I was expressing my discouragement to Neil who is always so encouraging.  The next day when we met with our Coordinator, he gave us a handout that was just what I needed to hear.  It was entitled "How to Ask Questions that invite Revelation" and one paragraph helped me to approach my study from a completely different angle that I had considered before.  It said:
"When a gospel teacher searches the scriptures with a question, the teacher's learning is more intense and focused.  The process of asking questions and discovering answers creates excitement and invites inspirations. . . As gospel teachers prepare to teach by searching the scriptures, they should ask themselves questio0ns such as "What is the intent of the gospel writer?, What are the converting or lifechanging principles?, What would God like my students to know that would be most beneficial to them?"

In the past, I have been so focused on figuring out what the students should learn that I forgot all about what I should be trying to learn.  It was one of those tender mercies that hit me powerfully.

There were 26 missionaries for Lunch

Serving table/mini pool table

Neil and I hosted a senior missionary conference at the Institute on Saturday.  We made Cordon Bleu, Rice Pilaf, my Mom's famous rolls, a pear gorgonzola salad with cranberry vinaigrette and apple tarts.  I think they liked it.  The highlight of the day was a baptism that afternoon of two young freshman students.  They are truly "golden" converts.  I made baptism towels that were a hit.

The new Branch Presidency

Sister Gutierez and Sister Bartholio hard at work

L to R
Brother Ballew= he make amazing catfish and
jumbalaya, President Olson - best story teller and historian, Elder LeBaron - best missionary companion ever, Brother Adams - our supportive High Councilor

Cupcake in a cup - a conference treat the children can make for themselves