The other day I wrote that our mission seemed like a dream. It was so far away (102 days) and it seemed like a thing that was just a thing. Well, I am sort of changing. Maybe as we get closer it will become more and more a part of my daily thought process, who knows?
Last night, I ran into.... I don't mean I physically ran into someone, nor did my vehicle in which I was driving run into anyone either... a young man who was so excited. He told me he just put in his papers to go on a mission. He was planning on going this summer. I smiled and gleaned some of his enthusiasm and said that we were planning on going this summer also.
Then I saw another young lady who had confessed to me she was rapidly preparing to go on a mission. We talked a few minutes and I felt her excitement. Then I was reminded of Bonnie's brother and his wife who just submitted their mission papers.
Isn't it interesting what things lie all around us, and which things we choose to ignore, or let go through out mind, in one ear and out the other. Some things remain in our mind pleading for some ponder time, while other things come in and go out. We choose which things we will keep in our mind and which things we ponder upon. The things we ponder upon determine who we are, what we are and whether we will be uplifted or down trodden.
I need to look around me, watch others, see their excitement about upcoming chances of being missionaries, and adopt their enthusiasm, their excitement and not let the fluff of insignificant things get in the way.
Isn't it interesting when something like this mission causes one to evaluate many things, learn many things and become perhaps a bit closer to the Spirit, being led by the Spirit more than at other times. I feel my Father closer to my mind, directing me and helping me BECOME what I need to be, in preparation for this upcoming mission.
NOTE: I have been walking lately. I have had medical "things" that have not let me walk, or exercise for quite some time, more than a few years. But lately, for miracles happening, I have slowly started to exercise to prepare for this mission. We shall see how it goes.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
DAY 103 -- Edward Partridge's Ordeal
It is crazy. It still feels just like a dream, that we want to, and are planning on going on a mission within a few hundred days. Much to do, much to prepare, and much to think about, but it seems so much like a dream, far away, will it really happen?
It is so far from the reality I am living right now, that is why it is hard to imagine. Will it really happen? Will we be one day sitting in a room with my family around as we open our call from the Headquarters of the Church? Will we open it and read about where we are called to serve? It is like a fleeting dream. We are trying to do all that is in our path to be ready. But it still feels like it is just a passing idea that will disappear.
I had the opportunity Sunday to portray the experience Edward Partridge had when he was tarred and feathered. It certainly touched my heart. My GGG Grandfather went through such an UGLY thing, that eventually killed him. It happened in 1833 and he died in Nauvoo in 1840 never recovering from that experience. His health was very poor after that experience. What an ugly thing to do to anyone. But he was true and faithful through it, holding no grudge or ill feeling for anyone during nor after.
Oh, that I can be like Edward. Prophet Smith referred to Edward saying, "In whom there is no guile." Again, oh, that I can be like Edward. He was certainly a great example for me, for all of his descendants.
Bonnie and I had six kids. Our seventh was going to be "Benjamin Edward Partridge." We never did get him down here, but we live with Sam and Tessa, and this morning it was brought to my memory that two of his kids could be the one I wanted to bring. We have a Daniel Edward Partridge, and a Corey Benjamin Partridge. Well, I guess they needed to come to Sam and Tessa rather than to Bon and I. So glad they did.
It is so far from the reality I am living right now, that is why it is hard to imagine. Will it really happen? Will we be one day sitting in a room with my family around as we open our call from the Headquarters of the Church? Will we open it and read about where we are called to serve? It is like a fleeting dream. We are trying to do all that is in our path to be ready. But it still feels like it is just a passing idea that will disappear.
I had the opportunity Sunday to portray the experience Edward Partridge had when he was tarred and feathered. It certainly touched my heart. My GGG Grandfather went through such an UGLY thing, that eventually killed him. It happened in 1833 and he died in Nauvoo in 1840 never recovering from that experience. His health was very poor after that experience. What an ugly thing to do to anyone. But he was true and faithful through it, holding no grudge or ill feeling for anyone during nor after.
Oh, that I can be like Edward. Prophet Smith referred to Edward saying, "In whom there is no guile." Again, oh, that I can be like Edward. He was certainly a great example for me, for all of his descendants.
Bonnie and I had six kids. Our seventh was going to be "Benjamin Edward Partridge." We never did get him down here, but we live with Sam and Tessa, and this morning it was brought to my memory that two of his kids could be the one I wanted to bring. We have a Daniel Edward Partridge, and a Corey Benjamin Partridge. Well, I guess they needed to come to Sam and Tessa rather than to Bon and I. So glad they did.
Monday, February 27, 2012
DAY 104 -- Which Door To Choose Today, 1, 2, or 3?
A new week. A new month (in a couple of days) A new attitude?
As I crawled out of bed this morning, I figured there are three kinds of days.
ONE: There is the kind of day when we just cope, endure, or make it through the day. This is the day when we dwell upon what is not "right" in our lives. Things that we wished were different. Things that we could change if we had the power and choice. It is coping with unemployment, health problems, children problems, and all kinds of problems. We dwell upon these challenges throughtout the day. It is a coping day with a sad, negative attitude. We are alone, and feel alone.
TWO: This is a day when we are robots. We go through what is expected of us, not feeling good nor bad. We don't have any major challenges, we don't have a sore thumb, or a headache, nor anything else to cause us to dwell upon the negative side of things. We just go through the motions of what we do each day. Those around us just see the "normal" person doing as they have always done. We don't cause any problems in our life, we just do as expected.
THREE: This is the kind of day when we greet everything with a smile, with the Spirit within our soul. We see miracles everywhere. We are so thankful for the little things we have each day. We count each breath as a blessing from Father. We can't help but see His hand in every little thing surrounding us. Fellow mortals see in us a light in our eyes. They see someone who is glad to be alive and someone who seems to be on top of everying and not challenged with anything.
What makes the difference? As I started this day, I wasn't going to enter into the realm of the first day described above. I made a decision that I was not going to focus on the negative and how I would make things better. That just leads to depression, sadness, and feeling burdened all day long. I figured as I climbed out of bed that it was just going to be a day TWO. I was going to go to work. I was not going to try to influence anyone else, I was just going to cope with the day. Then I decided that was the easy, lazy way out.
Instead, I felt that my attitude could, would change my day. That is the only difference between these three, different days. ME.
As you can see, I have blogged about this much of late. I guess that is what one of the big things I need to work on, for I seem to be continually thinking along those lines. Guess that is one of the big changes, one of the goals I should take in stride and change in my life.
As I sit here and ponder about this idea, that sweet Spirit tells me that this is possible every day, it is totally up to me. I am the master of what kind of day I am going to have today. No one else can infuence my decision, my actions, my day. Make it a day number one, two or three?
As I crawled out of bed this morning, I figured there are three kinds of days.
ONE: There is the kind of day when we just cope, endure, or make it through the day. This is the day when we dwell upon what is not "right" in our lives. Things that we wished were different. Things that we could change if we had the power and choice. It is coping with unemployment, health problems, children problems, and all kinds of problems. We dwell upon these challenges throughtout the day. It is a coping day with a sad, negative attitude. We are alone, and feel alone.
TWO: This is a day when we are robots. We go through what is expected of us, not feeling good nor bad. We don't have any major challenges, we don't have a sore thumb, or a headache, nor anything else to cause us to dwell upon the negative side of things. We just go through the motions of what we do each day. Those around us just see the "normal" person doing as they have always done. We don't cause any problems in our life, we just do as expected.
THREE: This is the kind of day when we greet everything with a smile, with the Spirit within our soul. We see miracles everywhere. We are so thankful for the little things we have each day. We count each breath as a blessing from Father. We can't help but see His hand in every little thing surrounding us. Fellow mortals see in us a light in our eyes. They see someone who is glad to be alive and someone who seems to be on top of everying and not challenged with anything.
What makes the difference? As I started this day, I wasn't going to enter into the realm of the first day described above. I made a decision that I was not going to focus on the negative and how I would make things better. That just leads to depression, sadness, and feeling burdened all day long. I figured as I climbed out of bed that it was just going to be a day TWO. I was going to go to work. I was not going to try to influence anyone else, I was just going to cope with the day. Then I decided that was the easy, lazy way out.
Instead, I felt that my attitude could, would change my day. That is the only difference between these three, different days. ME.
As you can see, I have blogged about this much of late. I guess that is what one of the big things I need to work on, for I seem to be continually thinking along those lines. Guess that is one of the big changes, one of the goals I should take in stride and change in my life.
As I sit here and ponder about this idea, that sweet Spirit tells me that this is possible every day, it is totally up to me. I am the master of what kind of day I am going to have today. No one else can infuence my decision, my actions, my day. Make it a day number one, two or three?
Sunday, February 26, 2012
DAY 105 -- To Store, To Give, To Keep, To DI?
We talked to the bishop yesterday and made more plans for our mission. We are going to try to submit the papers in mid-April. Should have our call by some time in May, I assume. After a call comes, it could be one month to six months after we receive our call before we actually leave this place. It all depends upon the urgency of the Mission President, how soon we need to be there. We both feel there is a place out there where we "need" to go, one that Father has in store.
I told Bonnie that when we receive our call, as we pray about it, think about it, we will receive a confirmation that it is exactly where Father wants us to be. I remember that confirmation I received as I was called to South East Mexico. I am sure Father will bless us with that vevelation.
With only three and one half months until we get to M day, things are very much in the air. We do not know how, when, or where but we do know we will go. There is much to do done before we go. I guess we ought to start listing things that we need to do so we can be ready.
After living with our children for quite a time, we have realized that there isn't much of our "prized things" we have stored that we need to exist. There are many treasures in our storage unit, and there are many things that we have been saving for years and years. But when we leave in a few months, those things will remain in the storage unit. We are almost to the place where those treasures, memorabilia, and mementos are not required to live, to be happy, and to exist. They are just memories.
When we moved from Perry, we made a list and had our kids take much of our "stuff." We may have to do that again, getting rid of more and more. Or just giving our "stuff" that has been collected through forty years of marriage to the Deseret Industries. We will only take necessities on our mission. It is amazing what things turn into being storage fodder instead of prime possessions when you are where we are. I am sure that will be true when we leave to serve together.
We have things in our room where we live as well as another storage room full of things. We need to get rid of them, either giving them away, or storing them for the next 18 months. It is interesting what thoughts go through one's mind when looking at a mission in about 100 days. It is also interesting to consider the mountains of things we need to do, to plan, and to accomplish before we are ready to drive away.
I told Bonnie that when we receive our call, as we pray about it, think about it, we will receive a confirmation that it is exactly where Father wants us to be. I remember that confirmation I received as I was called to South East Mexico. I am sure Father will bless us with that vevelation.
With only three and one half months until we get to M day, things are very much in the air. We do not know how, when, or where but we do know we will go. There is much to do done before we go. I guess we ought to start listing things that we need to do so we can be ready.
After living with our children for quite a time, we have realized that there isn't much of our "prized things" we have stored that we need to exist. There are many treasures in our storage unit, and there are many things that we have been saving for years and years. But when we leave in a few months, those things will remain in the storage unit. We are almost to the place where those treasures, memorabilia, and mementos are not required to live, to be happy, and to exist. They are just memories.
When we moved from Perry, we made a list and had our kids take much of our "stuff." We may have to do that again, getting rid of more and more. Or just giving our "stuff" that has been collected through forty years of marriage to the Deseret Industries. We will only take necessities on our mission. It is amazing what things turn into being storage fodder instead of prime possessions when you are where we are. I am sure that will be true when we leave to serve together.
We have things in our room where we live as well as another storage room full of things. We need to get rid of them, either giving them away, or storing them for the next 18 months. It is interesting what thoughts go through one's mind when looking at a mission in about 100 days. It is also interesting to consider the mountains of things we need to do, to plan, and to accomplish before we are ready to drive away.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
DAY 106 -- Patience Again
Friday at work, my boss announced to all the employees that Bill Partridge was going to be leaving us in four months. He said that I was going on a mission. It was very interesting to see the reactions of the employees.
One immediately turned to me and asked, "Why are you doing that?" Another said, "Why that is wonderful. Where are you going?" Most just opened their eyes wide and looked at me. Some of them are members, some are not. Some are less active than they should be. It was interesting to see their reaction to the announcement.
I have known for some time that my boss doesn't want me to go. I am doing things that not many other employees have done. I am working for what he pays me. (Many would say that I am working beyond what he pays me, but that is neither here nor there.) He has repeatedly told me to reconsider my plans on going.
Now the whole crew knows that we will be leaving within four or so months. It will be interesting to see if they are any different towards me or not, knowing that I am a short timer.
There is never any question in my mind whether I should remain here longer to help the business, or should we go as soon as all things are ready. When I pause and consider serving Him full time, seeking out those who are waiting, making few friends, being led by the Spirit in His work, and associating with so many others who are serving, I am so excited. I remember coming home from my mission wishing I could be a missionary all my life and not be encumbered with earning a living.
There is much to be done, and Bon and I will be able to do much of it. The remaining 106 days will go slow. It will be sort of like knowing that a pot won't boil while we watch the water. Well, I am watching the water and it is surely heating up slowly. That same old lessons I guess I have never learned is haunting me, that of patience. Will I ever get it? Or will that be one of the faults I take with me when they bury me? Who knows? I believe most people in this life are struggling to learn it also. I am not alone, but I am slow.
One immediately turned to me and asked, "Why are you doing that?" Another said, "Why that is wonderful. Where are you going?" Most just opened their eyes wide and looked at me. Some of them are members, some are not. Some are less active than they should be. It was interesting to see their reaction to the announcement.
I have known for some time that my boss doesn't want me to go. I am doing things that not many other employees have done. I am working for what he pays me. (Many would say that I am working beyond what he pays me, but that is neither here nor there.) He has repeatedly told me to reconsider my plans on going.
Now the whole crew knows that we will be leaving within four or so months. It will be interesting to see if they are any different towards me or not, knowing that I am a short timer.
There is never any question in my mind whether I should remain here longer to help the business, or should we go as soon as all things are ready. When I pause and consider serving Him full time, seeking out those who are waiting, making few friends, being led by the Spirit in His work, and associating with so many others who are serving, I am so excited. I remember coming home from my mission wishing I could be a missionary all my life and not be encumbered with earning a living.
There is much to be done, and Bon and I will be able to do much of it. The remaining 106 days will go slow. It will be sort of like knowing that a pot won't boil while we watch the water. Well, I am watching the water and it is surely heating up slowly. That same old lessons I guess I have never learned is haunting me, that of patience. Will I ever get it? Or will that be one of the faults I take with me when they bury me? Who knows? I believe most people in this life are struggling to learn it also. I am not alone, but I am slow.
Friday, February 24, 2012
DAY 107 -- Natural Man is an Enemy
Mosiah said that we need to become as a little child. I have often pondered how I could become as a child. Then he continues to list the attributes that would qualify us to be as children. I have wondered how one would put off the "Natural Man" and become as a child.
I am sure you have read as much as I have about being the natural man, living in this world, being influenced with the "things" of this world. Satan puts the things of this world in front of us constantly, especially through the media. I have quit watching the news because the things of this world are in the nightly news, on the nightly television screen, etc.
If we are judged to be the natural man, we are classified as an enemy of God. In reading the scriptures, I do not want to be classified as a enemy to God. They don't fare too well in His dealings with them.
Another part of that scripture is "...being willing to submit to all things that the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon them..." If this is taken out of context and just looked as it is stated, it would propose a God who loves to inflict burdens and things upon His children. But if we couple this scripture with the one saying that His work is to create worthy creatures out of us, make us worthy of Eternal Life, He permits things to happen to us that will work together in perfecting us for that is His goal.
He will let us experience challenges, jail sentences, obstacles, and even unexplained trials that mold us, teach us, help us learn faith in Him and trust in Him. They help us acquire patience, faith, and understand the principle of enduring to the end, whatever end that refers to. Mosiah 3:19 is one of my many favorites, it sure requires lots of pondering, praying, and dwelling upon it's meaning.
M. Thought a lot about it. Didn't do too much to further this goal. It is so easy to think that we are over 100 days away, thus postpone what needs to be done until tomorrow. Lazy, or not motivated. Oh well, better get moving...
I am sure you have read as much as I have about being the natural man, living in this world, being influenced with the "things" of this world. Satan puts the things of this world in front of us constantly, especially through the media. I have quit watching the news because the things of this world are in the nightly news, on the nightly television screen, etc.
If we are judged to be the natural man, we are classified as an enemy of God. In reading the scriptures, I do not want to be classified as a enemy to God. They don't fare too well in His dealings with them.
Another part of that scripture is "...being willing to submit to all things that the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon them..." If this is taken out of context and just looked as it is stated, it would propose a God who loves to inflict burdens and things upon His children. But if we couple this scripture with the one saying that His work is to create worthy creatures out of us, make us worthy of Eternal Life, He permits things to happen to us that will work together in perfecting us for that is His goal.
He will let us experience challenges, jail sentences, obstacles, and even unexplained trials that mold us, teach us, help us learn faith in Him and trust in Him. They help us acquire patience, faith, and understand the principle of enduring to the end, whatever end that refers to. Mosiah 3:19 is one of my many favorites, it sure requires lots of pondering, praying, and dwelling upon it's meaning.
M. Thought a lot about it. Didn't do too much to further this goal. It is so easy to think that we are over 100 days away, thus postpone what needs to be done until tomorrow. Lazy, or not motivated. Oh well, better get moving...
Thursday, February 23, 2012
DAY 108 -- Less Than The Dust of the Earth
It went well. I had a great day yesterday, after I decided in the morning that I was going to make it a great day. I counseled with a few people. I greeted everyone I was around. I smiled at strangers, and I felt that it was a profitable day, not in money terms, but in creating the kind of day I wanted to create- Joyful, and Happy.
That doesn't mean that there weren't struggle, obstacles, challenges and concerns. There certainly were. But with the attitude I had of being joyful and happy, they didn't seem nearly so large as they seemed on other days. Attitude does determine how we feel, how we treat others, and whether we smile through the day, or remain a stump on the log, just being, doing and not seeing the miracles in the world.
In the Book of Mormon there is a scripture quoted to one of the Anti-Christs that said, "all things denote there is a God." As I look around me, I try to figure out how all things bear witness there is a God. If I think, ponder, and pray long enough about any one "thing" I can see how it bears that witness.
Bonnie and I are in Mosiah and reading about King Benjamin's discourse. He continually mentions that we are nothing. We are less than the dust of the earth. We only breath and exist because of our Father blessing to us. We are challenged to give all the thanks to God that our soul is capable of giving. He gives us each day, and we will be held accountable what we do with that day, with our breath, with our decisions.
I love the "conference" talk by King Benjamin, which was recorded and sent it out as the first "Ensign" conference issue. (Yes I am taking liberties here.) I love to read it, then read it again, and then pray about it and read it again. I find so much more out of it when I do it that way. Great nuggets of worth for me.
M: We went over our missionary papers and realized that we may need some more papers for the doctors we are going to see. We have to get with our bishop to acquire the required papers for reporting that we are old, or that we are spry and youthful to serve. We have so much to do to be ready. We have to lube and oil our bodies, have million mile checkup on them, and adjust the head lights when necessary. Onward and upward in our preparation.
That doesn't mean that there weren't struggle, obstacles, challenges and concerns. There certainly were. But with the attitude I had of being joyful and happy, they didn't seem nearly so large as they seemed on other days. Attitude does determine how we feel, how we treat others, and whether we smile through the day, or remain a stump on the log, just being, doing and not seeing the miracles in the world.
In the Book of Mormon there is a scripture quoted to one of the Anti-Christs that said, "all things denote there is a God." As I look around me, I try to figure out how all things bear witness there is a God. If I think, ponder, and pray long enough about any one "thing" I can see how it bears that witness.
Bonnie and I are in Mosiah and reading about King Benjamin's discourse. He continually mentions that we are nothing. We are less than the dust of the earth. We only breath and exist because of our Father blessing to us. We are challenged to give all the thanks to God that our soul is capable of giving. He gives us each day, and we will be held accountable what we do with that day, with our breath, with our decisions.
I love the "conference" talk by King Benjamin, which was recorded and sent it out as the first "Ensign" conference issue. (Yes I am taking liberties here.) I love to read it, then read it again, and then pray about it and read it again. I find so much more out of it when I do it that way. Great nuggets of worth for me.
M: We went over our missionary papers and realized that we may need some more papers for the doctors we are going to see. We have to get with our bishop to acquire the required papers for reporting that we are old, or that we are spry and youthful to serve. We have so much to do to be ready. We have to lube and oil our bodies, have million mile checkup on them, and adjust the head lights when necessary. Onward and upward in our preparation.
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