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Trust in the Lord with All Thine Heart

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"Trust if the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6) We find it interesting that this passage from Proverbs uses paths rather than just path. Sometimes when we think we are on the path the Lord has called us to, we find that things don't always work out as hoped, and we must adjust. It does not mean that the inspiration we initially received was flawed, but that the Lord wants us to always remain vigilant and humble ourselves before him in all things. Even with 16 months in the mission field, we continue to learn and try to listen to his voice. When we find ourselves being challenged it helps us to remember that the paths were not easy for Joseph and the early saints. They were not easy for the prophets and apostles of old. They are not easy now as we see man regularly reject the Lord's direction. Of course the Lord's path here in mortality was not easy as...
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Faith in Our Footsteps

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A mission is what you make of it. There can be bumps along the way and there can be wonderful blessings. Sometimes we need to choose the best path to follow. As we make those choices that are part of God's plan, our faith increases.  It is nice that the person for Atsugi Public Affairs Office gives us several opportunities to join in on street cleaning events. That person, Ms Ikumi Tanaka, has the important job of building a good rapport with the community around the base. Clean up in Ayase allows us to associate with the military persons who are also doing volunteer hours. Sometimes the local Japanese High school students join on occasion. They pair up with the Americans so they can practice their English. One time we brought cookies to share with the volunteers. The Japanese students appreciated the kind gesture.  Capt. Leclerc, the commanding officer of NAF Atsugi, with Tanaka san and the new leadership of the Japan-U.S. Goodwill Society. ...
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Strangers in a Strange Land

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"I have been a stranger in a strange land" (Exodus 2:22). So often the Lord asks us to go where we may feel inadequate, or unprepared. That has been the case here in Japan without any language training and living on the local economy. But a strange land can also be other places such as working with a lot of inactive where you're not sure if you're reaching them, or on the Navy base to where we have been called, but still find everyone a lot younger and different from when we were in the Air Force 20 years ago. We remember that Heavenly Father has called us to serve here at this time, so "We move trust in the Lord and do good" (Psalm 37:3).                                        R eading to the little ones at "Story Time" in the library For us, the biggest highlight was a break from the strange land by having a second cousin, Brent Hollenbaugh, visit us. We hadn't seen him s...
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Our Time Here on Earth

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As we get older we notice even more the value of the time we have here each day. Not just on the mission but in all things. The Lord gave a commandment to the elders in Jackson County that can also apply to us in all parts of the world. That is: "Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known". Time to prepare is good and the training we receive is valuable. Zone Conference was an opportunity for zone leaders to teach about faith and hope in regards to companionships. They referred to Sariah in the wilderness and how she did not understand the visions of her husband and why their sons had to return to Jerusalem. When she had humility then she understood better. Sister Tueller spoke of preparing members to help and spread the invitation to go forth and invite. President Tueller spoke of the meaning of diligence. It is being valiant and consistent. He also referred to President Oaks talk on Good, Better and Best. He encourages the...
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