Our Last Senior Dinner

Every two months the mission has a dinner up in the City for the Senior Missionaries. At that dinner the new missionary couples or senior sisters are introduced and those going home are asked to bear their testimonies. It turns out that our last Senior Dinner was on January 4^th, there will not be another senior dinner before our departure date of around February 22. During the dinner one of the other senior couples who were departing for home the next day, introduced us as the mayor and judge of Mound City. They talked about the time they come down to Mound City to visit with us trying to locate young single adult members to invite them to the singles ward up in the city. We went over the branch roster with them and shared with them what we knew of both active and less active young adult members. After completing that task we went to lunch with them at the Jayhawk Inn, the only hamburger place in town. They were surprised that we knew the owner of the establishment even though we had only eaten there twice before. On that particular day it seemed like we also knew and conversed with most all the people that came into the inn. They were very impressed and determined that we must know everybody in town. It was kind of funny, but we have met and know quite a few people in Mound City, and that has been one of the blessings of the mission. There truly are many really good people in this area and yet their lives would be greatly blessed by accepting the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sister Anderson and I each bore our testimonies that evening and shared the many blessing we have experienced while serving on the mission. We talked about our good health, and how God knew exactly where we needed to be. We shared of our marriage being strengthened and a greater appreciation for the Book of Mormon and Christ’s Atonement. We talked about the many things we have learned and the people we have met from the six other Churches in Mound City and neighboring communities in the County. We talked about our experiences with the young Elders and watching them grow as they serve. We talked about receiving inspiration as we study the scriptures. Our testimonies truly have been strengthened and we are truly grateful for all the blessings we enjoy from serving on the mission.

We must Remember to Express Gratitude

Last week 4 different people we wanted to meet with were unable to meet with us because of illness. There is a flu bug going around that seems to be fairly prevalent. Then I thought to myself neither Sister Anderson nor I have been sick a day since coming out on the mission, I need to remember to thank Heavenly Father for that.

Another thing, the price of gas in our little town is $1.81 per gallon and cheaper in the City. I saw on the news that Missouri has the cheapest gas in the nation. That is significantly cheaper than when we first came out on the mission. Again, I thought I need to thank Heavenly Father for that because we travel a lot and the lower gas price saves us a fair amount of money each month.

However I am finding that one of the greatest blessings on the mission is all that we are being taught. As I study the gospel and the scriptures each day, I find I am often thinking about questions or issues with our friends that we teach. I am amazed how often I will come across answers to their questions or concerns. The gospel is true and it is wonderful to have so many instances where we feel the Holy Ghost guiding our lives and providing inspiration to assist us in helping others.

We need to count our blessings daily and express gratitude for them to our Heavenly Father.

·         Doctrine and Covenants 59:21

21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.