The work and play goes on.

 

Sisters Hopkins and Newcomb

I reported in my last blog about our zone conferences that had been held during the week. I would like to share the pictures I received taken at those zone conferences.

North Zone Conference in Eugene

South Zone Conference in Medford

Central Zone Conference in Roseburg

If you remember, I presented at the conferences regarding the importance of eating a well-balanced diet which needs to include fruits and vegetables. One should attempt to eat a rainbow every day. On Monday this week, when the missionaries go shopping for their groceries, I received pictures from a couple of sets of missionaries to show me the “rainbows” they would be eating through the week.

Sisters Bullock and Weeks

Elders Israelsen and Mooy

This week we had 3 days of interviews. Wednesday we were in Eugene for the Springfield zone, Thursday in Roseburg for that zone and Friday in North Bend for the Coos Bay Zone interviews. Sister Cornelius treated the missionaries to waffles again. Here are some pictures taken during the three days.

Elders Asay, Hill, Bowler, and Peart

Elder Hill

Elders Woolf and Jones

Elder Maylin

Sisters Jeffords and Carter

The elders wiled away the time waiting for interviews by arm wrestling. I warned them that I didn’t want any calls due to injuries in the activity. (I think the contest continued so that they could win a place on my blog.)

Elders Rencher and Woolf

Elders Rencher and Jones

Elders Larsen and Hall

On our way to North Bend on Friday for interviews, we passed an elk and wildlife viewing area. President Cornelius pulled off the road so we could see the elk in the fields.

I have enjoyed my days of walking this week. I didn’t walk on Thursday and Friday due to travel but the other days were most enjoyable! Even with the heat, walking early in the morning at sunrise makes it pleasant. It was 103 degrees for 3 of the days this week. In the high 90s the other days.

The sunrise, river, and flowers were beautiful.

Saw the heron and egret by the river and a deer on the way back to my apartment.

Standing in my driveway watching the turkeys

Saturday morning we walked at the prairie where the fields were misty and we saw a heron sitting atop a light pole. Caught his flight from the pole to a tree. 

Saturday President and Sister Hopkins hosted a lunch for the senior couples at their home in Roseburg. Unfortunately, not all of the couples were able attend but those of us who did were treated with smoked tri-tip, fresh homemade rolls and an assortment of salads.

Some chose to go swimming…

and one went swimming unexpectedly after being pushed into the pool fully clothed. (You know boys will be boys.LOL) President Cornelius is a good sport though and decided that since he was in the water, he might as well enjoy it.

The food was awesome but the company was the best! It was fun to visit with and to get to know each other better. 

Left to right: Sister and President Hopkins, Sisters and Elders Van Hemert, Karren, Newcomb, Cammack, Crump, Hawkins, Sister and President Cornelius (in dry clothes)

Sunday morning in Relief Society we discussed a conference address by Elder David A Bednar “Be Still, and Know That I Am God” given in April 2024. In this talk, Elder Bednar begins by telling of a temple open house tour he led for reporters and news people. He had answered questions throughout the temple tour but before they entered the celestial room, Elder Bednar explained: “this particular room in the house of the Lord symbolically represents the peace and beauty of the heavenly home to which we can return after this life.” He went on to say that there would be no talking in that room but that he would answer any questions after leaving the room.

Upon exiting one reporter with great emotion commented: “I have never experienced anything like that in my entire life. I did not know quiet like that existed in the world; I simply did not believe such stillness was possible.”

Elder Bednar goes on to say: “As I later pondered the journalist’s comment and reflected on the often hectic pace of our modern lives—the busyness, noise, diversions, distractions, and detours that so often seem to demand our attention—a scripture came to my mind: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

I pray the Holy Ghost will enlighten each of us as we consider a higher and holier dimension of stillness in our lives—an inner spiritual stillness of the soul that enables us to know and remember that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.”

Elder Bednar next tells about the persecution of the Saints in Missouri. In Kirtland, the Prophet Joseph Smith told the saints: “Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.”

Elder Bednar: “I believe the Lord’s admonition to “be still” entails much more than simply not talking or not moving. Perhaps His intent is for us to remember and rely upon Him and His power “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in.” Thus, “be still” may be a way of reminding us to focus upon the Savior unfailingly as the ultimate source of the spiritual stillness of the soul that strengthens us to do and overcome hard things.”

“True faith is always focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ—in Him as the Divine and Only Begotten Son of the Eternal Father and on Him and the redemptive mission He fulfilled.

“For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men.”

Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, our Mediator, and our Advocate with the Eternal Father and the rock upon which we should build the spiritual foundation of our lives.

Helaman explained, “Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”

This is a remarkable talk I would encourage you to read and study.

I’m grateful for my Savior, the rock upon which my faith and testimony are built. I know that we have a loving Father in Heaven who knows each of us and our needs. I know that our Savior has provided a way for us to return to the presence of our heavenly parents. My Savior is my rock and sure foundation.

I love my Savior.

I love you my family and friends.

Zone Conference Week

The first zone conference was Tuesday in Medford. I rode down with President and Sister Cornelius. It is about a 3 hour drive so we left early in the morning.

President and Sister Cornelius and me on one of our early morning drives to conference.

Wednesday the conference was in Roseburg which is about an hour and a half drive. Friday’s conference was in Eugene. At each meeting, I did a presentation during the lunch break. With the summer heat upon us, I felt it important to remind the missionaries how necessary it is to stay hydrated and to use sunscreen. I also added a little portion about good nutrition. 

Here is a brief report of my presentation.

When I worked at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City many years ago, for a time, I worked on the pre-op floor where the surgeons would come to see their patients prior to surgery. One of the highlights of my time there was when Dr. Russell M Nelson would come to check on his patients and often while there, would visit with us, the nurses. I loved listening to the stories of his time in the army in the MASH units and other aspects of his life. He also taught us how wonderful and marvelous are our bodies. Here is a quote from a conference address in April 2020:

“Each organ of your body is a wondrous gift from God. Anyone who studies the workings of the human body has surely seen God moving in his majesty and power. 

Because the body is governed by divine law, any healing comes by obedience to the law upon which that blessing is predicated or based.”

After reading this quote, I invited the missionaries to read and study the Word of Wisdom found in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants during the coming week and to use the advice and knowledge gained to improve their health habits.

Then I discussed the importance of eating a well-balanced diet. To avoid too much sugar and fat and to concentrate on proteins, whole grains and fruits and vegetables. I displayed a basket of colorful fruits and vegetables and discussed that there are vitamins and minerals found in these foods that can help us to avoid illness, fatigue, etc. My advice was to “eat a rainbow” every day.

I next talked about protecting our skin from the rays of the sun by application of sunscreen when out doing service or playing sports on P-day or other outdoor activities. Even on overcast days, 90% of ultraviolet rays penetrate the clouds and can still cause a sunburn. 

Dehydration is a major cause of feeling unwell anytime of the year but particularly in the heat of the summer or when ill. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. 

1. Water gets rid of waste through urination, perspiration and bowel movements
2. Water keeps your temperature normal
3. Water lubricates and cushions joints
4. Water protects sensitive tissues

With the heat, we must be more diligent not to become dehydrated. There isn’t always a reliable early indicator of the body’s need for water. Many people don’t feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. That’s why it’s important to increase water intake during hot weather or when you’re ill. Here are some symptoms of dehydration:

1. Extreme thirst
2. Less frequent urination
3. Dark-colored urine
4. Fatigue
5. Dizziness
6. Confusion

Dehydration can lead to serious complications including:

1. Heat injury ranging in severity from mild heat cramps to life-threatening heatstroke
2. Urinary and kidney problems such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even kidney failure
3. Electrolytes such as potassium and sodium help carry electrical signals from cell to cell. If your electrolytes are out of balance due to dehydration, the normal electrical messages can become mixed up, which can lead to involuntary muscle contractions, seizures and sometimes to a loss of consciousness.
4. Low blood volume is one of the most serious and sometimes life-threatening complications of dehydration. It occurs when low blood volume causes a drop in blood pressure and a drop in the amount of oxygen in your body.

Stay safely hydrated. Generally if you drink enough fluid so that you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is colorless or light yellow, your fluid intake is probably adequate. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy, make you feel exhausted, nauseated, dizzy, make your head ache and other uncomfortable symptoms. 

COMMIT to drink a minimum of 2 liters of water every day. More if you are working or exercising in the heat

Here are some pictures taken during the 3 conferences.

Car inspections done at each conference

Sister Weeks

Sister Felila

Sisters Bullock and Sorenson sent me this picture and message the day after the conference they attended. Love it!!!

Thursday, the 4th of July, was a restful day for me. I actually walked in the morning and then spent the rest of the day at home doing laundry and catching up on work I hadn’t been able to do because of the travel and conferences. 

That evening, Elder and Sister Barker organized a birthday celebration for Sister Cammack. Several of us went to dinner at Red Robin.

Sister and Elder Barker, Elder and Sister Karren, Sister and President Cornelius, Elder and Sister Crump, and Elder and Sister Cammack

Saturday, I went early in the morning to pick blueberries with my friend, Diana. We then went to lunch.
 

I went grocery shopping and worked on my weekly report which is due each Saturday evening. 

It has been a great week. I so enjoy being with the missionaries and having the opportunity to see all of them during the week. I love my service here in the mission. It blesses my life!

I love my Savior

I love you my family and friends.

My family is my world!

 

For the last 15-ish years, my family has gathered every June (that I haven’t been away on a mission) on the Oregon coast for a family get together. Many years it has included all 7 of my children and their families. This year I have been blessed, with permission from my mission president, (I can do my mission work from anywhere with modern technology) to spend 5 days on the coast in Bandon with my family. Unfortunately, 3 of my children and their families could not come due to work, school, and other obligations but the other 4 came to join me for our reunion.

I rented two adjoining (like a duplex) 3 bedroom, 3 bath vacation homes across the street from the beach. Every day was beach day! We walked and talked. We made sand castles and hunted for agates and unusual rocks. We went crabbing. Jim went fishing one day while we built sand castles at the beach. We ate a lot of good food and laughed and loved and enjoyed each other.

The picture story I’ll share is in no particular order. Just know that EVERY day was a special day for us just because we were together.

Ashley

Cody and Ellie

David

Deanne and Jeff

 

 

Jim and baby James

Rory

Sophie

 

Katie

Dinner at Pastries and Pizza

Cousins

Bucket fun with the water hose

Sea stars at low tide

Fun things to find on the rocks at low tide

OK!  I'm dumb!!  Everyone could see the face in Face Rock but me. So Katie told me to hold my head in a certain pose while she took my picture. OH. Now I see the face in the Face Rock. DUH! We do have very similar profiles Miss Face Rock and me

Circles in the Sand

Learn more about Circles in the Sand.

The humidity and wind gave me a distinct hair do. Deanne and Kristin liked to put braids and pony tails in my longer than usual hair.

Crabs have to be within a certain size to keep them. Here you see Ashley and David assisting Jim in sizing the crabs

Squid is used for the crabbing bait

 

Kids pulling in a basket of crabs
 

Sophie feeding "LuSEAL"   

Crab dinner

 

 

One morning we went to Agate Beach in search of agates and unusual rocks.  It was misty/rainy and windy so a bit on the chilly side.  I got to cuddle with Ellie to keep us both warm.

 

Everyone collected buckets of rocks at almost every beach.  We had a best of show rock collection contest.   Here we see the folks gatherer around assessing the rock collections.

People were asked to select a few of their best and most favorite rocks.  Which collection would you choose?

 

We ate our lunch one day at a picnic site.  The kids had fun playing on the lawn.
 

Ellie picked flowers for Grandma

Baby James had to show off his sun glasses

Jeff got flowers in his beard

Going to the beach was the highlight of our days. We all feel like Rory and want to dance on the beach

Building sand castles

Construction completed. Tide rolling in quickly..... The castles were washed away within 30 minutes but it was fun nonetheless

Rory and the puffin

Bandon Beach at sunset

Coquille Beach at sunset

Coquille River Lighthouse

 

Katie and Jeremy at Coquille Beach

I love this picture Katie took at Coquille Beach

 

While it was only a short 130 steps down the bluff to the beach, it was a LONG 130 steps back up!

 

Our beach duplex house rental

I can't remember what we were laughing at but we had a good time!!

Ugly feet made uglier by a sunburn (My poor toes!) Note to self: When applying sunscreen, don't forget your feet

 

 

This has been a most unforgettable 5 days filled with opportunities to make memories to last a life time. My Heavenly Father has blessed me with a wonderful family who are my best friends in the world. Next year I hope that all of my family members will be able to join us.  

I love my Savior

I love you my family and friends.