January 6 - 12, 2014

Monday we decided to head back to Stanley for a few things.  We knew the Hoskins would be leaving soon and so invited Jackie to go with us.  We had a really fun day.  She was able to find a really cute reversible jacket and some scarves and ties for her grandchildren and we picked up a couple more ties and nail files.  We had lunch outside at NYF and McDonalds and enjoyed walking thru the stalls.  

Tuesday, our OAD, we went to Wanchai and visited with Dora and several of the Senior Missionaries and also saw Tim Fife.  We set up a time to get together with his family before we leave.  He is headed off to Bangkok for a few days.  I think he does a lot of traveling.  Candy does a great job with the kids and home while he is gone.  She is such an energetic Mom and wife.

At the temple this week they have started to put in the New Year's flowers.  We learned that the orange trees are seen everywhere because they represent prosperity.  

 We had a lot of local patrons at the temple this week.  Also the Taylor family from Shenzhan came for their son to receive his endowment before leaving for a mission to Brisbane, Australia Mandarin speaking.  They also have a daughter serving in Sweden.  It is so amazing.  We also had a young couple from Mongolia and India who were us all week and into this coming week.

Sunday at Church Paul left early for a Presidency meeting and Branch Council meeting.  I came an hour later.  We were expecting President Collins to be back and he was except that he came back sick and so did not make it to Church.  We have missed him.

It was 2nd Sunday so we had a dinner afterwards.  Always a great time to visit and enjoy each other.  we seem to have a lot of new members coming into the Branch.

Yessie and Paul 

Janet getting the food on the table.

Sisters gathering around Sister Watkins and Dodson

Sisters Watkins, Dodson, Lewis and Brother Sunny Wen

Paul had asked Brother Holmes to teach the Gospel Doctrine class and during the Presidency meeting he called and said his Boss called and he would not make it.  Paul had prepared next weeks lesson so gave it and Brother Holmes will try again next week.  My Primary class went very well.  We reviewed the Plan of Salvation and then Jesus's role in creating the world and how Satan wanted to take away our agency.

While reading last weeks lesson I came across this statement from the Institute manual and loved it.  This should be the motto of our FAMILY.

Moses 7:16–20—Building and Establishing Zion

President Spencer W. Kimball spoke of establishing Zion in our day:

“May I suggest three fundamental things we must do if we are to ‘bring again Zion.’ …

“First, we must eliminate the individual tendency to selfishness that snares the soul, shrinks the heart, and darkens the mind. …

“Second, we must cooperate completely and work in harmony one with the other. There must be unanimity in our decisions and unity in our actions.…

“‘If the Spirit of the Lord is to magnify our labors, then this spirit of oneness and cooperation must be the prevailing spirit in all that we do’ …(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 1983.) …

“Third, we must lay on the altar and sacrifice whatever is required by the Lord. We begin by offering a ‘broken heart and a contrite spirit.’ We follow this by giving our best effort in our assigned fields of labor and callings.We learn our duty and execute it fully. Finally we consecrate our time,talents and means as called upon by our file leaders and as prompted by the whisperings of the Spirit” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1978, 122–24; or Ensign, May 1978, 81).