It has been a beautiful week in Takapuna.

The weather has been more spring-like with temperatures warming and fewer days of rain.  The beach has been at low tide all week and with the lack of storms, it was quiet and peaceful.  Quite a contrast to last week’s high tides, crashing waves, and wet feet.   We have started going a half hour earlier as the days grow longer.  Sister Lucas, my walking partner, and I leave our flats now at 6:00 A.M. in order to see the sun rise and to avoid walking to the beach with the sun in our eyes.

There were 2 fishermen on the beach.  First time I’ve seen people fishing
from the shore at Takapuna Beach.  One of them had just caught a snapper.

Another first this week on the beach was watching a man
propose marriage.  Look at his big smile!

Even though we didn’t get more than just a few sprinkles,
we saw rainbows a couple of mornings.

With a pano pic I was able to get both ends of this bow

We are still in “lockdown” of a sort.  We were at level 3 which meant stay at home except for exercise or necessary outings such as grocery shopping.  Doctor’s offices were only making appointments for digital visits via phone or video but I believe that we will be able to go to the doctor for scheduled appointments now, so I will be more busy this next week making and attending some dental and doctor appointments.  Monday we moved to level 2.5 in Auckland while the rest of the country remains at level 2.  At 2.5, the number of people allowed at gatherings will remain at 10.  I believe that work places will reopen but all are encouraged to wear masks.   We may again travel around the country maintaining physical distancing and of course wearing masks.  

As I did dishes one afternoon, I noticed a feeding frenzy on my patio.

I had a pleasant experience on Thursday morning.  Two sisters called me.  They told me that they wanted to give me a gift and share their testimonies with me.  They did that by singing a beautiful rendition of the hymn, I Know that My Redeemer Lives.  Of course, with the beginning notes of the hymn, I immediately turned into a bucket of tears.  Oh my!  My heart overflowed.  Listening to them bear their testimonies through music was indeed a gift to me.

I Know that My Redeemer Lives is a favorite hymn.  Here are the words:

1. I know that my Redeemer lives.

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, he lives, who once was dead.

He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives to bless me with his love.

He lives to plead for me above.

He lives my hungry soul to feed.

He lives to bless in time of need.

2. He lives to grant me rich supply.

He lives to guide me with his eye.

He lives to comfort me when faint.

He lives to hear my soul's complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears.

He lives to wipe away my tears.

He lives to calm my troubled heart.

He lives all blessings to impart.

3. He lives, my kind, wise heav'nly Friend.

He lives and loves me to the end.

He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing.

He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath.

He lives, and I shall conquer death.

He lives my mansion to prepare.

He lives to bring me safely there.

4. He lives! All glory to his name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

He lives! All glory to his name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

The lines, “Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:  I know that my Redeemer lives!” caused me to think about how much I love my Savior and appreciate that He atoned for my sins, gave His life for me, and was resurrected that I might live again.  This truly brings me joy.  

As I pondered these thoughts I began to reflect on the many joys that I experience in my life.  With the world in turmoil and experiencing COVID, it may sometimes seem hard to find the joy in life.  My life is easy.  I think of the poor, hungry, sick, and dying and wonder what joy they are finding in life.  

I recently read a BYU Devotional talk given in 2004 by Elaine S. Marshall, who at the time, was dean of the BYU College of Nursing, titled In This Life I Shall Have Joy.  She began the address in such a way that I was immediately caught up in the talk. 

She says: 

“I have learned that, regardless of circumstance, for some people there is no joy; for others there is only joy. Some of us experience catastrophe in our lives; others create catastrophe in our lives. For some, there are a few bad days; for others there are only bad days.

This week I was reminded of one of those Mudville days. (Previously in the talk, she mentioned the poem, Casey at the Bat---hence the reference to Mudville.) Honestly, I don’t remember if all of these things happened on the same day—they all blur together in a fog on the joyless treadmill. But they really happened in proximity close enough to count as a bad day. I had finished long hours at work with a steady stream of student problems, faculty conflicts, and overdue reports. At home kids needed help with school problems, friend problems, and romance problems. We were living in our basement, ten months into a six-week remodeling project. We were out of cat food, so the cat was mad. But we were also out of what my son calls “human food,” so the cat had to get in line. I mistakenly dropped a tax-refund check in the trash, which had gone to the street for the next day’s collection, so the neighbors got to watch me rummage through my own garbage like a vagrant bag lady. Then, at the worst moment, the right front tire on my car was flat to the rim.

Sometime during all this, I made some soup for a family in our neighborhood. It was now after 10 at night, but I decided this was the only time I could deliver my pot of compassionate service. I convinced my husband that he should help me take it to a family where the father was very ill. I knew someone would still be up. So I held the soup in my lap while my husband drove the car, with the tire now repaired by AAA. (You think I am going to say that I spilled the soup, don’t you? Well, I didn’t! For this talk, there has to be some joy in the story.) I tiptoed to the porch and nudged my shoulder against the front door and knocked gently. I cautioned my husband to be quiet, thinking that a quiet interruption in the middle of the night somehow was more like charity.

From inside I thought I heard the doorbell ring and chided my husband, “I told you, don’t ring the doorbell!” Then I heard it again. “Stop it,” I said. He just looked at me with a blank face. I thought I could hear the doorbell ringing again and again. Finally, the granddaughter came to the door. “Hi,” I whispered. “Sorry we are so late; we won’t come in. We just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you. I hope we didn’t disturb you.”

“Thank you,” she said patiently, as she nudged me away in what I thought was going to be hug. As she pushed, she said, “You are leaning on the doorbell!” It was the end of a perfect day according to my personal mission statement.”

This talk made me laugh and gave me some insightful thoughts about finding joy in life.  Sister Marshall goes on to say:

“Are there days when you feel like joy is a doctrine that pertains only to the hereafter? How do we sustain a joyful life? How does one live every day joyfully and keep any semblance of sanity? I have discovered a few principles of finding joy.”

I will briefly list the principles Sister Marshall goes on to define:

“Joy is an act of courage.  First, to live joyfully you must be brave. True joy is not for the fainthearted. You must decide to be happy. Joy will not abide until you make a conscious decision to treasure it.

After you find the courage to make a decision for joy, the next step is to be grateful. Gratitude is the gateway to joy.

Even in the face of such daily joys, some of us suffer chronic sorrow or anger toward others who have hurt us. Joy requires forgiveness.

It is not enough simply to forgive others. Joy requires that we take the next step to serve others.

In order to know joy, you have to be there. Joy requires presence.

The message of the Atonement is a message of joy. Our Savior knows our suffering. He took upon Himself our suffering that we might have joy. Joy is life. To have joy is to live life fully.”

I hope that you will read the talk so that you may learn about each of the above principles as Sister Marshall defines them to a fuller extent.

This week I celebrated my mother’s 103 birthday.  She was a great mother and taught me much about cooking and living.  She was a hard working woman who served her family and the Lord to the best of her ability.  I love you Mom.

Mushrooms growing along the foot path

I’m trying to eat a more healthy diet.

Eat some chocolate and have a happy, healthy week full of joy.  

I love my Savior.  I love you my family and friends.

It is still winter!

According to my Google search, one website informed me that in the Southern Hemisphere, Spring officially begins on Wednesday, 23 September,  so it is not surprising that it has been quite windy and rainy this week. I found this information on an interesting website about the seasons in New Zealand:

Winter: June - August

The winter months bring snow to mountain peaks around the country, and clear, crisp days. In the North Island, you might encounter more rain, while the South Island is colder but drier. 

Temperatures range from 1.5 - 15.5 degrees celsius (35 - 60F). The further south you go, the colder you will get - temperatures are significantly lower in Queenstown than in Auckland. 

If you would like to read about each season and find other interesting information about New Zealand, you may find it here: SEASONS IN NEW ZEALAND

Also this week, the tide has been high at the beach so we have had some wet walks both from above and from below.   We try to pick a path that will keep our feet dry but a couple of days, I have managed to come away with wet feet and one day wet to mid-calf.  Those sneaky waves roll in when there is no place to escape.  Do not misunderstand. I am in NO way complaining.  It is rather fun.

I have rarely seen the surf at Takapuna Beach such that it would support surf boarding.

I hope that you didn’t get dizzy when I swung the cameral to catch a surfer in action.

There were so many people waiting for the perfect wave.

Drying my shoes in front of a fan

A few weeks ago, I posted a picture of another of these mysterious objects I
found on the beach.  This one is smaller than the one I previously found but this time
I put my foot in the picture for perspective of size.  I have tried to research
what this may be.  I downloaded an app that helps identify “fish”.  I uploaded the
picture of this object and it was identified as an orange sheath tunicate. What do you think?

 

When I Googled to find this link: Botrylloides violaceus, I looked only at images of orange sheath tunicate and saw similar looking creatures.  I believe that is what I saw on the beach.

A dog just has to have fun!

I am so blessed to have the beach so close to my flat.  I really will miss these beach walks when I’m back in the desert.

Still in lockdown at level 3 here in Auckland, I am having fewer calls and texts so my days are quieter.  The missionaries in Northland are only on alert Level 2 so they are out and about a little more.  I have arranged some doctor appointments and insurance payments for them, but of course, I have not attended with them.  Had a deep cut on a finger requiring sutures this week as well.  

I had a fun experience this week that I want to share to show you what great people I work with here.  One morning I received several text messages and a video thanking me for being here and for helping.  It brightened my morning and it was really delightful.  The first text was a pleasant surprise.  By the time the other messages came in, I was still pleasantly surprised but came to the conclusion that the senders of the messages were all in the same district.   My assumption was that the district leaders must have led a discussion about gratitude and had invited the missionaries to send out positive messages of gratitude to people.  I am so blessed to have been on the receiving end.  It does make one happy and grateful as well.  

Rory, my granddaughter calls me “Grammy Lammy Ding Dong” because I talk
to her through the Ring monitor/camera on the front door.   Some sisters were
with me one day when Rory pushed the door bell and I talked to her.  The sisters
thought it so cute that they began to call me “Grandma Lamma Ding Dong.”
Word spread and now many of my mission “granddaughters” call me by my new moniker.

Along with the tasks of scheduling appointments for Northland missionaries, I have found plenty to keep me busy.   I did laundry and vacuumed and dusted.  Three or four evenings, our “bubble” has gathered at Sister Lucas’s flat to play games such as Yahtzee, Skipbo, and Five Crowns.  It is fun!  Lots of laughter and fun stories.

Wednesday evening I made Italian chicken soup and invited another senior couple living in my complex to come for dinner.  It was an enjoyable evening getting to know them better.  We found that we have a mutual acquaintance in a senior couple I served with in NYC.  Small world!

Elder Dean and Sister Vangie Walker

When I went to purchase some ingredients for the soup, the store had
no “normal” garlic.  The only garlic I could get was this solo garlic.  I had seen the
little basket of garlic before but passed it by because it is more expensive but
I needed it for the recipe so I splurged.  It was a good find!  It is milder than the normal
 garlic I use and much easier to prepare but I doubt that I will buy it again as I seldom
need or use a whole basket at a time.  I only used five solo pieces and I have a bunch left.
I don’t want to waste it so I will find a way to use it.  There are supposedly great
health benefits to eating raw garlic on an empty stomach every day but I’m afraid if I
did that, I would suffer a loss of friends and associates.  However, it would
guarantee an automatic physical distancing for COVID.  It is interesting to
learn about this new vegetable if you want to read more about it. Solo garlic

Sunday our “bubble” gathered in my flat for Sacrament and Gospel discussion.  Few homes here have central air conditioning or heat.  People use electric heaters and fans.   I prefer cooler (cold) temperatures so when people visit my flat, I try to keep them warm with blankets.  I found this electric throw that I have just in case the chill catches up with me as I don’t like to use the heaters.  My friends like the warmth that the fleecy blanket provides.

The throw is just the right size for three to sit under it on the sofa.  I sit on my
office chair across the way.  I had to set the timer to take this picture.
Barely made it to the sofa in time.

Sister Lucas led our Gospel discussion this week.  She chose to talk about pride.  So as I’ve studied the Come Follow Me lessons, I chose to learn more about pride.  Along with the scriptures, I read and listened to several conference talks and BYU devotional speeches.  Each message I read helped me to understand how pride affects every aspect of my life.

One of the conference talks I read was given in April 1989 by President Ezra Taft Benson.  He opens his remarks talking about the Book of Mormon.  He says: 

 “This sacred volume was written for us—for our day. Its scriptures are to be likened unto ourselves. (See 1 Ne. 19:23.)

The Doctrine and Covenants tells us that the Book of Mormon is the “record of a fallen people.” (D&C 20:9.) Why did they fall? This is one of the major messages of the Book of Mormon. Mormon gives the answer in the closing chapters of the book in these words: “Behold, the pride of this nation, or the people of the Nephites, hath proven their destruction.” (Moro. 8:27.) And then, lest we miss that momentous Book of Mormon message from that fallen people, the Lord warns us in the Doctrine and Covenants, “Beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.” (D&C 38:39.)

I earnestly seek an interest in your faith and prayers as I strive to bring forth light on this Book of Mormon message—the sin of pride.  This message has been weighing heavily on my soul for some time. I know the Lord wants this message delivered now.”

In defining pride, President Benson goes on to say:

“Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing.

The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.”

In BYU devotional message titled Putting Off the Natural Man and Becoming Saints given by Carl B. Cook of the Seventy in October 2017, I read: 

“Another enticement of the adversary that can keep us from submitting fully to the will of our Father in Heaven is pride. President Ezra Taft Benson described pride as “the great stumbling block” (“Beware of Pride,” Ensign, May 1989).

One sign of pride is pushing back or turning away from God or from others who invite us to do God’s will. Invitations may come from parents, friends, teachers, Church leaders, the scriptures, and sometimes the Spirit. They may be invitations to stop doing things we shouldn’t be doing, or they may be invitations to do something that God would have us do.

A resistant and prideful condition is described well in the Book of Mormon:

Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide. [Helaman 12:6]

In other words, pride says, “Don’t tell me what to do. Don’t try to control my life.”

When we rebel or turn our backs toward God, we are actually turning our backs on true joy and happiness. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) said, “Only by aligning our wills with God’s is full happiness to be found” (“Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father,” Ensign, November 1995). Elder Maxwell also taught that we may mistakenly think that by letting our will be swallowed up in the will of God we lose our individuality. But the Savior is asking us only to lose our old self in order to find our new self. It is not a question of losing our identity but of finding our “true identity” (“Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father”).”

This next paragraph really says it very plainly: 

“Pride, that sinister, grievous, subtle, disrupting, insidious, menacing, and rotten attribute of the natural man, constantly pulls us to focus on ourselves, our looks, our talents, our desires, our goals, our passions—on me, me, me. We look inward rather than outward toward others or up to God. Pride focuses on what I want instead of on what others want or on what God wants.

The antidote for pride is humility. It is humbling ourselves and putting God’s will above our own, seeking what He wants instead of what we want and aligning our will with His. One challenging aspect of replacing pride with humility is recognizing pride for what it is. As President Benson described, we often sin in ignorance (see “Beware of Pride”).

I find that when I lose the Spirit or feel distant from God or from others, pride is often at the root of the problem. I have found it helpful to ask myself, “Is it my pride that is causing this conflict?” When there is tension in a relationship, I ask, “Is it pride?” When I am not getting along with my leader, “Is it pride?” When I am not getting along with those whom I am called to lead, “Is it pride?” When I shrink from correction, “Is it pride?” I find that inevitably when I ask myself the question “Is it pride?” the Spirit whispers, “Yes, it is!”

I am grateful for the Lord’s mercy and kindness in helping us overcome our weaknesses. It is not easy to ask the question “Is it pride?” or to accept the answer. But recognizing pride seems to be the first step toward overcoming it. We can then identify what we need to work on, humble ourselves, plead for forgiveness, let our pride go, and align our will with God’s.”

I could go on in but instead, I would encourage you to read both of the talks I have quoted.  I know that I have work to do in my life and I pray that I will have the strength to accept the things that I need to change and the ability to know how to be more humble and to reach toward the Savior in all I do.

Putting Off the Natural Man and Becoming Saints

Beware of Pride

I love serving this mission.  The blessings are numerous.  I appreciate the love and support I receive from my family and friends and from the missionaries here in this mission.  I pray that you will have a safe and healthy week ahead.

I love my Savior.  I love my family and friends.

This week I didn’t get any pics of flowers or plants but as I walked along the foot path on my way to the grocery store, I saw this “cool” car parked at a garage.  Made me think of my sons and grandsons who stop to look at cars, so I snapped a pic to send to them to let them know that I was thinking of them.

As I passed by a doorstep in my complex, I noticed the decorations.  If you zoom in
on the top, close up picture,  you can see the intricate design and also a tiny pair of
sandals or feet under the petal at the top of the design. I’m not certain that I have it correct,
but I looked up holidays that would have been celebrated at this time and found
this: Awal Muharram (also called Maal Hijrah) celebrates the beginning of the
Islamic New Year. Muharram, derived from the word haram, which means forbidden,
is a month considered most sacred of all besides the month of Ramadan. During this
time, Muslims are forbidden to fight; hence, a time of mourning and peace.

I think I have done this before.

Once again we are in “lockdown” due to COVID.  We were notified on Tuesday that with 4 community spread cases of COVID, level alert 3 would go into effect at noon on Wednesday to last through Friday  night at midnight in Auckland.  Friday, the lockdown was extended through 26th August because of other probable cases and to more clearly define the cluster of cases. 

In this level of alert, all stores, restaurants, bars, etc are closed except for essential businesses such as grocery stores and pharmacies/medical places.  Physical distancing of 2 meters except within one's “bubble” (family).  Crowds limited to 10 people so church has been canceled again.  This time we are asked to wear masks when in confined public places.  We are asked to stay in our homes and work from home and not to travel out of our area.  We can go out for exercise keeping physical distancing.

People waiting to get into Countdown, the grocery store near me.
Limited people allowed in the store at one time to help
people maintain 2 meter physical distancing.

The rest of the country is in alert level 2, so a little less restrictive.  I really don’t mind this lockdown, and in fact appreciate it, as it has helped to reduce the number of illnesses and deaths in this country.  

I had a full week of appointments scheduled so my week suddenly became quieter.  I had a Health Council meeting with the area doctor, Elder Mayberry, the area mental health advisor, Sister Lucas, and President and Sister Parr on Tuesday morning after which I headed straight out to go to an appointment in Whangarei.  The 2 hour drive each way was pleasant.  It rained all the way there but the drive home in the late afternoon was gorgeous.  The angle of the setting sun made the green, grassy hills, wet from the rain look amazingly green.  No words can describe it and since I was driving, I have no pictures.

I have taken a few calls and helped with missionary illnesses but on the whole, even the phone calls and texts have decreased.

I have had my daily exercise enjoying the fresh air, watching the sunrise and admiring the flowers along the footpath.

August 16th is a special day in my life as I celebrate the birth of my eternal companion, Reed Kay Petersen (Kay).  He was born in 1941 so this would have been his 79th birthday.  He always told people that he was born in the Kennecott Copper Mine pit.  That would elicit questions such as:  “Why were you born there?”  To which he would reply:  “Because my mother was there.”

He was such a tease!  His father worked at Kennecott so when his mother was to deliver, she was taken to the hospital close to the mine.  He told me that the hospital and surrounding area had been demolished as the pit expanded, so he claimed to have been born “in the pit.”   

Wasn’t he a cute little guy!

Here is Kay with his sister Mignon.

Here he is with an uncle.  I believe his name was Dr. George Smart 

Here Kay is sitting next to his grandfather.
Directly behind Kay is his Uncle Sid.
Beside Sid is Kay’s father, Reed

He graduated from East High School in 1959.  He moved to Las Vegas to live with his sister after graduation.  He served a mission in Uruguay.  Upon returning, he worked on the Union Pacific Railroad on a construction gang laying and repairing tracks and bridges and as a fireman on the Las Vegas Fire Department for a time before returning to Utah to go to school.  He graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor degree and from Westminster College with his masters.  He had finished his course work at BYU working on his doctorate but never finished his dissertation.  He got too busy with his work and family to focus on finishing his degree.  

He was an excellent teacher and administrator.  He taught at community schools and at Clearfield Job Corp helping students gain their GED or secondary diploma.  He was vice-principal at Clayton Middle School, vice-principal at East High School, principal at Clayton and then principal at East High where he finished his career.  

He had a remarkable talent in that he could remember names.  It always amazed me that I could walk down the halls of the school with him and he could say hello to every student and call them by name.  He was an advocate for all students regardless of color, creed, gender orientation, and whether they were obedient or mischievous.  

He loved the youth and supported them in every way possible.  He never missed a game, dance, play or activity.

He received the Huntsman Education Award in 1996.  Winners are invited to an awards banquet for past and current honorees, where they receive a crystal obelisk and a check for $10,000. The object of the awards is to celebrate individuals who have made unique contributions to the lives and education of Utah’s public schoolchildren.  These awards are considered to be among the most prestigious honors for individual educators in the state of Utah.  I am most proud of Kay and his accomplishments.

We were married September 1, 1967.  He was the best husband I could have ever chosen.  Our lives were full of the normal ups and downs of raising children, making a home, and earning a living but he always put me first.  He opened doors, brought little gifts, and always wanted me to be with him.  He never went anywhere without me.  I was included in fishing, hunting, camping, trips/travel, and always in making decisions regarding our relationship and family.

He was a wonderful father even though he realized in later years that he had missed a lot of his own children’s activities by being so involved in the activities of the schools where he worked.   He loved each of his children and grandchildren and provided for all of us.  

I’m not positive but I believe that this family picture was taken fall 2012.

I could go on forever telling about this wonderful friend, husband, companion, and soul mate but just know that I am blessed to have been able to spend so many years in his company.  He passed away due to cancer on September 25, 2013.  I know he is waiting to greet me one day.  Happy Birthday Kay.

This week in studying the Come Follow Me chapters and reading about the 2000 stripling warriors, I’ve come to realize what it is that gives me such joy in serving missions and being with the young missionaries.  I think that my husband felt the same about the students with whom he worked.  In Alma 56:15-17, we learn that Helaman and his band of young men arrived in Judea where they found Antipus and his men toiling with their might to fortify the city.  We read that Antipus and his men were depressed in body as well as in spirit because they had fought battles by day and worked all night to maintain the cities.  They had suffered great afflictions of every kind but they were determined to conquer or die.  

When they saw Helaman arrive with his 2000 “little sons”, it gave Antipus and his men great hopes and much joy.

Reading this and listening to commentaries about these chapters, has made me realize that working with and being around the younger generation gives me “great hope and much joy.”  These young spirits have enthusiasm for life, ambition and a desire to do good.   I’m sure that Kay felt this as well.  

Sunday morning Elder and Sister Mayberry and Sister Lucas came to my flat for Sunday morning “services.”  Elder Mayberry blessed and passed the sacrament and then we had a discussion about faith.  What an honor and a blessing for me to have these people as my friends and support.

Sunday lunch – salad and salmon

Sunday afternoon I was talking to Jim, Jenna and Ellie when the alarm went off and the building was evacuated.  Don’t know why the alarm sounded but we were only out for maybe 30 minutes before we could return to our flats.

Sunday evening I had a pancake dinner with the Mayberrys.

Even with lockdown I have kept busy although without lockdown, I would have been to more appointments and another trip to Whangarei on Thursday.  I pray that all of you will stay well and safe. Be cautious, wear masks when needed and wash your hands frequently!

I love my Savior and I love you my family and friends.