Stagger Not

When Paul was here earlier this month, he shared a scripture with the YSA which has resounded in my head ever since.  In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul tells of the great faith of Abraham.  This eminent patriarch and his wife Sarah had been promised, through the Abrahamic covenant, that their posterity would become a great nation as impossible to number as the sands of the sea, and that this nation would bless all the world through the priesthood.  All of these blessings were to come through a covenant child.  The promises must have seemed impossible as Abraham neared his hundredth birthday and after Sarah had endured 70 plus years of childlessness, and yet Paul says in Romans 4:20-21:

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

Those are the words that have echoed in my head and in my heart for the past two weeks, “he staggered not at the promise of God”.  I have reviewed my life with my multiple “staggerings” and have longed for and determined to acquire a faith like Abraham’s.  Each time I stagger, I pay a price.   Because I have no shame, and because I sincerely want my children and grandchildren to learn from my mistakes, I share a recent example.  In August of last year I wrote of some financial concerns.  I told of watching the numbers from Wall Street as they went lower with each passing day.  Would we have any of our meager savings left by the time this mission was over?  I wrote about an answer to my personal prayers:

“He knew of my worry over the stock market--a very specific one. While studying for a seminary lesson, I came across this quote from Elder Holland as he encouraged couples to serve missions.  “Those of you who can, put away your golf clubs, don’t worry about the stock market, realize that your grandchildren will still be your grandchildren when you return—and go!  We promise you the experience of a lifetime.”  It was all I needed to hear.  The Spirit whispered that it was true.  The Lord has always provided all that we need, He will continue to do so.  I have always known that when we put the Lord first, He takes care of the rest.  I just needed a reminder.”

Here was a promise from the Lord that He would watch after our finances as we served. I did not need to keep my eye on the Dow Jones Index.  I had faith…at least for a time.  And then I staggered.  I saw the Dow Jones numbers start to climb, and I started to wonder, “Should we pull our money out and make sure it is safe?”  I asked John.  I asked people I trusted (the arm of flesh).  When the numbers went over 12,000, I pulled everything out.  What a relief, right?  This week I cringe as the news reports the Dow Jones is over 13,000. Had I been “fully persuaded” that God was able to perform all that He  promised, we would have had more in savings when we got home than we did when we left. This “stagger” cost us a few thousand dollars, and although it hurts some, it is a small price to pay for a lesson of eternal value. 

Other staggers rob me of my peace and sometimes lead to despair.  They are the worst staggers of all.  These, like Abraham’s and Sarah’s wonderings, usually have to do with covenant promises concerning family and the eternities. Through prophets and through private witnesses of the Holy Ghost, the Lord has promised me specific blessings concerning my family—things that at times seem as impossible as Sarah giving birth. Those promises are more important to me than any amount of money.  I cling to them with all of my faith, and I know that  I will not stagger if I can remember what Abraham was told in Genesis 18:14, “Is any thing too hard for the Lord?” 

As I discussed these things this week with my sister-in-law, she encouraged me to keep reading in Romans 5.  Thank you Rosie, for there I found the beautiful fruits of those who “stagger not”.  Romans 5:1-5:

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Those who stagger not gain peace, patience and experience and are filled with faith, hope and love.  May we all pray for and be blessed with the faith of our father, Abraham.

Favorites

It seems that some of the Young Single Adults have been searching their names in this blog to see how often they appear.  Because some are spoken of more frequently than others, I have been accused of having favorites.  Honestly, I don’t know how I would begin to pick a favorite.  They are all so amazing.  I’m dedicating this blog post to a few of the seldom mentioned.

Brodie Ridler

Brodie has played a mammoth part in our lives in New Zealand.  She is extremely thoughtful and caring.  Most of my excess weight can be attributed to the cooking and baking of Brodie and her mother.  She has only been a member of the church for about two years, but she is truly converted and a vital part of the Young Single Adult program.  She is a student at the university and spends most days at the institute building trying to study.  Her efforts to concentrate are hampered by other students and “old” missionaries who just can’t resist visiting with her.  Brodie went to the the states last year.  She spent time with Jill and Mike and even took a tour of my home.  She deliberately walked on my carpets and left footprints that will have to be vacuumed out the minute I get home.  I have learned so much from the Ridlers.  They are all about service.  Their home is always open to anyone needing a place to stay for a night or a semester.  Brodie is a world traveler and I’m so glad.  That means our goodbyes in six weeks will not be forever.  I would not be happy in a future without Brodie.

Trevor Anderson

Trevor insisted on taking his own picture, mine was not dramatic enough for him.  He is into all things theatrical.  He is also the heart and soul of this work with the YSA.  He has spent years texting, inviting and making facebook pages for activities.  He sincerely cares about each and every young single adult and wants desperately for them to participate and feel loved and needed. Many times people have told me that even in their years of inactivity, Trevor never quit inviting and encouraging them to participate.  Their activity is directly attributable to him and his persistence.   Sometimes, when the institute building is brimming with happy people, Trevor and I stand aside and smile.  He is possibly the only person who is more excited than John and I about the growth that has taken place here.  Trevor is very dear to us and I know Heavenly Father is pleased with his efforts.

David Campbell

David served a mission in Washington State.  He returned to New Zealand with an American accent much to the chagrin of fellow kiwis, but much to our delight.  We understand every word he says.  He has never lost the missionary spirit or the happiness the gospel brings him.  He is studying computers at the university and we love seeing him around the institute building each day.

Carler Toilalo

Carler is a gifted musician.  She has the innate gifts so many of the islanders have, but she also has had training.  She composes her own songs and sings like a dream.  The alto section of the choir is so dependent on her abilities.  She is a love.

These four have been around for awhile.  Here are some of my new favorites:

Isaac McCluskey

Isaac is a first year uni student.  He has a brilliant mind and a divine musical gift.  He creates great discussion in any institute class he attends, can sight read any part, and sings a glorious tenor.  We are so glad he turned 18 and decided to join us.

Stephen Yee

Stephen is also a first year uni student studying law.  He is our pool shark.  He makes it look so easy.  If I get time, I’m going to have him teach me so that I can come home and beat my nagging nephew Andrew. (Brad, tell him to watch out.)

Jana McQueen

Beautiful Jana started studying at Canterbury University this year.  She is studying fine arts and is absolutely lovely.  She is amazingly mature for her 18 years and we are thrilled to have her.

Matt Harper

Matt is another of the young ones.  He is studying primary education and has slipped into the YSA program with great ease.  He is eager to learn and a delight to work with.

Brittany Overwater 

Brittany was introduced to the church while visiting a Mormon family in Mesquite, Nevada.  She was baptized just six months ago, but acts like she has been a member all her life.  She would have been a missionary’s dream; she truly has believing blood.  The minute I saw her I knew that she was going to bring something special to this program.  She is already much loved by everyone.

Matt Hill

Matt Hill joined us after serving a mission in Australia.  He quietly comes, listens, and every once in awhile makes a profound comment.  I’m glad he came back before we had to leave.

Mele Tuipulotu

Mele has been living in Australia and moved back to Christchurch at the beginning of the school year.  In a room full of chattering YSA, Mele can focus on her studies.  I think she’ll do very well.  She’s beautiful inside and out.

Nora Tu’u’u

Nora was born in New Zealand but has been living in the United States.  She graduated from Taylorsville High School in 2009.  She came to Christchurch a few weeks ago and fills this place with laughter. 

I’m sure I’ll get some comments about this post from other YSA.  If they’re here when I have a camera, I’ll write about them.  I really do love each and every one of them, the ones I’ve written about and those I have missed. 

Visitors

We have had a very busy and interesting week.  Cyril Figuerres came from Salt Lake City to do some research into the online seminary program.  Cyril works for church correlation and is sent to gather empirical data whenever the leaders want to make a decision on a given program or situation.  The information he and his co-workers garner will be influential in the fate of online seminary.  We took him to meet and interview teachers, students, parents, and priesthood leaders around Christchurch and in Blenheim. 

Cyril Figuerres with Jaysleen, Jeron, and Justin Prasad in Blenheim.  Sister Prasad fed us a dinner fit for Indian royalty.  I think she had been cooking all day.  She had fish curry and goat curry along with many other dishes I could never pronounce.  I am always amazed at the generosity and kindness of these people. 

In our travels we had hours to talk with Cyril—what a lovely, lovely man.  He is soft spoken and gentle, very bright and interesting.  He has a wealth of stories drawn from a full life of service in the church and a very intriguing job.  He has a Phd from Purdue in social psychology and has researched everything from the family to family Book of Mormon project (Remember when we had our family pictures taken and put them, along with our testimonies, in the front of BOMs to be handed out by missionaries?) to sister missionaries.  He talked about when his department first came into being and how some people thought it was unnecessary to do research;  surely the Spirit would direct the brethren in their decisions.  I think the research is part of the Lord’s direction to “study it out in your own mind” (D&C 9:8) so that a decision can be made to take to the Lord for confirmation.  Cyril told us that out in the world, people are hired to do “advocacy research”.  They construct questions, interpret answers and slant statistics to prove the point of the person or company who hires them.  He said the leaders of the church have never once, in all the years he has worked for them, given even a hint of what they hope the research will prove.  They have a desire to hear the truth and only the truth.  I’m not sure what the truth is about online seminary, but I can see much value in it and I appreciate all of the work that has been done to provide seminary for these students in outlying regions.

Cyril left on Thursday morning and Paul flew in Friday afternoon.  I cannot describe how happy I was to see him.  Family after all of these months!  I was just thrilled to see my brother and I didn’t realize how much hoopla the presence of a general authority creates.  Evidently I should have informed the Stake Presidency about his visit.  There is a protocol they are instructed to follow.  Everything worked out and we were able to spend some quiet time laughing and visiting.  He was also able to meet and talk with the people we have grown to love here.  We took him to Ashburton to attend Mata’s seminary class—an unforgettable experience.

While there he patiently listened to my piano students as they each played their favorite hymn.  As usual, these islanders prepared a feast. No one is ever allowed to leave hungry.

Sunday night he gave a fireside for the Young Single Adults in Christchurch.  There were over 90 in attendance—definitely a record.  It was a question and answer session and he was marvelous.  He said so many things they needed to hear, and, because they came from a general authority, they listened and believed.  The kids have been quoting him ever since.  After the fireside I watched as so many of them sought his help on individual questions that they didn’t want to address in the group meeting.  Again I watched as he patiently listened and gave advice.  He wasn’t feeling well while he was here, but that didn’t stop him.  His coming blessed the lives of these kids.  They will never forget it. 

If I wasn’t returning home in a few weeks I could never have let him go.  Thank you, Paul.  I love you!

Yesterday we had a visit from some young Christians who attend a Bible school in Geraldine.  They came from America, England, and Canada.  They came to talk to young people from our faith—to ask questions and learn about our church. 

It was great to hear our young people answer questions using the scriptures and bear testimony from their hearts.  It was also wonderful to meet other kids who love Jesus Christ and are passionate about Him and their faith.  The world will be in good hands when we, the old ones, are gone.

What a great week!  I’ll just wrap it up with a few pictures from our travels.  I love John and his camera.

Blenheim is on the northeast side of the island and the Prasads live about five minutes from the ocean.

The wind was really blowing and these birds were just riding the currents.

An oreo cow.

The park in the heart of Blenheim.

Seals at Kaikoura.

Pain

Luke Katene, our professional rugby player, has offered his services as a personal trainer to several of the girls who want to get in shape.  They call his sessions the “House of Pain”.  They keep trying to get me involved, but the closest I have come is taking pictures.

Sina, Wiki, Ellen, Alyse, and Luke.  Everyone is all smiles before they begin.

Sina’s inappropriate attire, and Luke…

in his finest.  They do warm-ups…

step-ups and exercises to strengthen arms (Ellen in background).

They do push-ups and log toss.

They do exercises to strengthen the core…

and then they run.  After they get through, they look like this…

And that’s why it’s called the “House of Pain”.

There was a certain kind of pain on the faces of the people of Christchurch last week as they announced that the Anglican cathedral will not be rebuilt.  This building was probably the most recognizable landmark in the city, and some say they are tearing out the heart of Christchurch.

Even the Anglican Bishop knows that it must come down for safety reasons.  The earthquake damage is too great.

(This picture is not as sharp.  I had to take it from the internet because no one is allowed anywhere near it now.)

I saw another kind of pain this week as I talked with a young man who has recently moved back to Christchurch.  He told me of his struggles in school, his estrangement from his family, and his lack of friends.  When I told him I loved him, he came back with this startling statement, “It has been 12 years since I’ve heard those words.”

Some pain we choose.  Luke’s trainees engage in activities that cause pain because they know the pain will bring desirable results.  Some pain comes as a result of poor choices we make, but can cause us to change our behaviors or correct mistakes. 

Some pain comes because we inhabit mortal bodies in a telestial world.  Sickness wracks bodies and earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters turn lives upside down.  These pains have to be endured and can teach us valuable lessons if we will allow them to.

However, there is one kind of pain that no one should have to endure, the pain of being alone and not feeling loved.  Twelve years without hearing the words ‘I love you’ is totally unacceptable.  We can all work to eradicate this type of pain. 

If you’re reading this blog, I love you.  I hope most of you have heard it personally from me in the last little while.  If not, I’ll try and get to you soon.