Conference Address

Sat 3/22

Elder Robbins's talk was wonderful!  He message was on missionary opportunity!

He encourages us to use our eyes to see and ears to hear to open up conversation with others and be connected with people --  to bring them to Christ.  He shared with us a few successful stories about how a missionary was able to make a connection on a tattoo on someone's arm with writings about God.  He was able to carry a conversation on the Lord and eventually baptized her.  Another missionary asked the home owner to commit for a lesson when they bet on a game on the pool table.  Apparently the missionary was really good at pool and of course, he won and was able to teach one lesson after the other.... As he shared the many stories from the missionaries all over the world, I kept thinking about Jeannie.  She must have lots of interesting encounter with people as well!  Can't wait to hear from her when she comes home.

Sun 3/23

Another great talk from Elder Robbins.  Even though we were sitting behind the benches, I can literally feel the spirit in the congregation.  The members were attentive and quiet as he talk on Jesus being the best example of going about his Father's business.  The name "Father" was mentioned by Jesus in 3 Nephi (don't remember from which chapter to the end) for 163 times. Elder Robbins tied in his talk of a personal teaching moment from Elder Packer when he was asked a questions, "Which side are you facing?"  The Lord's work is real and he was advised to never lower his standard to please others as he go about doing His work.  He is representing the prophet to see the people not the other way around.  How true is that for such a simple sermon!!!



 

Super Busy Week!

Mon (3/17):
Took Tammy out to breakfast and reassure her that she did a great job introducing the compassionate service program.  I've came to a realization that no matter how well you prepare, and how thoughtful the plan is; there will always be someone disagree with you.  We simply can't please everyone!  There were a few sisters don't quite understand the reasons and changes behind it.  We prayed and hoped for these sisters will one day understand the way we structured the program.  It will only give more opportunity for people to serve, out of our comfort zone and be united in service and heart.

Wed (3/19):
Johnny was involved in a multiple car accident.  Presidency meeting at night.

Thur (3/20):
10:00-11:15 Scripture study
11:30-12:30 Lunch
1:00-3:30    Grocery shopping for the stake conf. with Mary -- didn't even know that she sprained her ankle.

Fri (3/21):

9:30            Help cutting and chopping (stake conf. dinner)
11:00          Leaving to cooking lesson
1:45            Went home and picked up Jady's violin and camera
2:00            Took Johnny to Jady's school for the "Celebration of Weather"
3:00            Took Jady home... took Evan out for a Shamrocx shake
3:30            Jady's violin lesson
4:15            Came home and cook food for Sammy's farewell party
5:30-8:30     Sammy's farewell party

Sat (3/22):
10:00-11:30     Dropped off Evan at Howards for band practice; went car shopping
12:00-1:00       Lunch
1:00-1:20         Gave Evan hair cut
1:30                Dropped off Johnny at the Stake center
2:15                Came home and fix dinner for Jady and the Smalx
3:30                Dropped off Jady at the Smalx and off to the stake center
4:15-8:00         Help prepared, serve dinner and clean up at the stake center
8:00                Sit down and listen to the talk

Multiple Car Crash

3/19/14 (Wed)

Thirty minutes after Johnny left to NJ, I got a phone call from him off the street.  He was involved in multiple car crash off the freeway.  My heart sank, but it was a relief to hear him that he and the other drivers were okay.  No one was injured....  The young driver two cars behind Johnny lost control and hit the person in front, and that person behind Johnny hit him at the back, and needless to say Johnny hit the car in front him.  As a result, Johnny's baby was totaled!

I often wondered what will happen if he was driving my car that day.  It was a little rainy, and I somehow want to visit with Michele (which is kind of strange since I don't like driving in the rain that much); so I asked Johnny to drive his own car to see his client.  The adjuster from the insurance came back and said the car was beyond repaired which is understandable.

As I looked back at the pictures now I would only call it a blessing.  The car was famous for its steel and when it's in such a bad condition after the accident, I could not imagine how my Japanese car looked like after crash.  He might have been in serious injury!

Johnny was a little sad to depart with his baby, but we both understand it's only a thing after all! We are so grateful for the Lord for preserving his life.  He was okay and went to play badminton the day after.

Italian Cooking Lesson: Week 1

Forgot about this from last Friday!

Went to Mainline school night to learn Italian cooking.   I never thought of how easy it is to cook Italian food and even better... fixing a big portion in no time that can feed a whole village.   It's so fun!!!  The teacher is really nice and has a cute Italian accent.

Sunday RS lesson

This quote reminds me of an incident between my friend and I.  I don't think we would ever be friends again and I don't expect her to talk to me like she used to.  We have both move on in our own path and I hope someday as we got older and more mature, we will handle our issue better.

"Remember everyone has weaknesses, and there are at least two sides to every story.  If you err in judgement, be sure you err on the side of love and mercy."   Joseph Fielding Smith

Lifelong Goal: The Golden Rule

After I was called to be the secretary, people would share with me their issues and problems.  Not that I don't want to help, but sometimes it's just impossible to help everyone and meet all their needs. I don't mind listening to complains but I do have problems filtering the stories among the sisters.  It bugs my spirit when so and so talk about another person because it will change my impression on others.  And that interfere with my lifelong goal; that is to only see the good in people, no judging or being negative!  Believe me, it's super difficult!

As we treat others kindly with respect and patient, others around you will do the same.  It's like a domino effect.

There was no need for the restaurant owner to give us free BBQ buns to take home.  The server at Wawa wouldn't have to give us additional smoothie.   They were not obligated to be nice to us but they did.  I pondered on the blessings for awhile and got the reasons why they did that.  It's because we showed an interest in their life and be patient with them.  I am not bragging about us being saints because we are not always that way.  But people in general are very giving when they see us being sincere!

So, always be nice and try to understand, be sincere and treat others with respect!  

Mis.

Don't ever take your blessings for granted!  Offering Sylvia to come to do the laundry is the least that I can do.  There has been some issue with the laundry arrangement at her apartment and her chronic pain is not getting her in any better situation.  I wonder what will I do if I were in her situation when both my health and financial situation are compromised.  Always count my blessings!

Another question I have in mind is how hard it is to have unity in the family.  I turned on whatsapp this morning and found two relatives actually left the group besides one who was removed a few week ago.  I kept thinking about uncle 7 and now uncle 8 for trying to pull the family together.   Why is it so hard to love and forgive your own family members?  Why?  Holding grudge is terrible especially with the loved ones.  I pray and hope that someday the family issue will be resolved.