........It's starts like this...." oh Mom, I can't wait to read you my journal" Okay, Lolo, you know my hormones are out of whack, then she says" we had a personal tour of the Sacred Grove by the grounds keeper, Bob Parrot, Oh... if those sacred trees could talk". Stop smalls your're killing me. I love the experiences she shares with me, and I can't wait to listen to Her read her journal. All I can say about that is "PRICELESS".
Seriously folks, I almost can't talk. Through the miles... and on a computer printing out black words, I could feel her spirit. Amazing !!!
Since I am almost speechless I will write in her words a fun experience that happened at Zone conference.
" After spilling my water bottle everywhere, nearly destroying everything we ( all site sisters) were sitting at lunch by Elder Ryan and Despain I walked to Elder Ryan and said "Thanks for being the testosterone at the table" and he said straight faced, " Oh, I thought you had that covered". Everyone busted up laughing, then he said" Burns... you know you were the only one I could say that too" So then, I'm walking towards the bathroom and Elder Despain is too and I was like" well...apparently I have a lot of testosterone.so that means I can go to the men's room too" I was pretending to follow him into the men's room, and I ran smack dab into President Hemmingway as he walked out. The place erupted in fits of laughter. As embarrassed as I was, I knew it was a great story and memory". Having the distinct honor of being the Mother of Laura, I was so happy that her easy going personality had shone thru and the other Elders and Sisters were able to be themselves while serving the Lord. It also reminded me of a story when I was her age at Hancock Collage and I walked into the men's locker room (a double dare) and pretended to be one of the guys. I stayed in there until the Coach walked by. So I can't say "What ever possessed that child to do such a silly thing"
Serving in Palmyra for the tail end of her mission, is like icing on the cake. Can you imagine how it must feel to stand where Joseph Smith received revelation and restored the true Gospel of Jesus Christ? Can't go there.... this is my little red haired wonder, my baby goat, my magnificent daughter, who put all things in her life aside to do missionary work. The daily gem last week says, " Missionary work is the greatest, most powerful service one can do"
We can all be missionaries, where ever we might live. We must stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things and in all places" by our example we can bring others into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My favorite song these days...besides "Halo" is the primary song " Sent his Son", in it's simplicity, it states how we should be living our lives .... Like His Son. It is Onedurful ( as Pres. Hinckley would say). Next time you have a moment listen to the words and imagine how hard it was for our Heavenly Father to send his beloved Son to earth and die for our sins, so we could ALL return back to live eternally with him. The Atonement of Jesus Christ was done for us and every day we need to show gratitude and thankfulness to our Lord of Lord and King of Kings. How blessed we are to be here on earth, learning, growing, perseverance thru trials and finding Joy in the Journey ( Pres. Monson)." Some days are harder than others, every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the bird don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of the discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result" ( Joseph b. Wirthern)
How proud I am of my little Lolo for her sacrifices and hard work. I am truly a blessed Mother in Zion.
I was also blessed to have Holiday Bryn stop by this week. Have I mentioned how cheerful and wonderful she is? I learned something new... Holiday Bryn's favorite holiday is the 4 th of July.
The joy Bryn brings me is grand, and she calls me Mama Kathy. I'm lovin it !!
Thank you for your letters to Laura, you are all so wonderful to take the time to send her a letter, it is so appreciated and treasured. Have a happy 4 th of July!!
As always....Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side.
Love a Missionary Mom, Kathy
PS. if you don't have the words to "He sent His Son" I will print next time.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
White House
Happy Friday everyone,
Laura has given me the new place of living address:
603 St route 21
Palmyra
New York
14522
Laura's new residence is called the "White House" It is directly across the street from the Palmyra Temple, and Hill Cumorah is 2.5 miles away. She says" we are close to everything!!"
I guess being out in the boonies for so long, she is thrilled to be able to take a stroll after her work is done. Look out Palmyra... you could wake up to a red town. Lolo's on the loose. Well...Not really..... but I needed to spice up the address blog. : )
Loves to you all, Missionary Mom Kathy
"Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side" Holiday Bryn loves that line.
Laura has given me the new place of living address:
603 St route 21
Palmyra
New York
14522
Laura's new residence is called the "White House" It is directly across the street from the Palmyra Temple, and Hill Cumorah is 2.5 miles away. She says" we are close to everything!!"
I guess being out in the boonies for so long, she is thrilled to be able to take a stroll after her work is done. Look out Palmyra... you could wake up to a red town. Lolo's on the loose. Well...Not really..... but I needed to spice up the address blog. : )
Loves to you all, Missionary Mom Kathy
"Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side" Holiday Bryn loves that line.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Badge of Honor
Hello friends, I know you thought I fell off the face of the Earth. It took our dear friend Holiday Bryn to get me going. Thanks Bryn, I love ya. It's been one month since my last blog about Laura. She is so busy, I get a couple lines every Monday. And that's O-kay, I'll take what I can get. Three weeks ago Laura sent me a box, a very large box of things she didn't need anymore, winter shoes, coats, turtlenecks. I asked her do you want me to open it now? or just wait until you come home and we can go through it together. A week later she responded, "Open it Mom, there is something at the top, I think you'd like"
So last Thursday night, I thought, well, if there is something for me to look at, I'll open Pandora's box.
Sitting on top of all her winter clothes, was a very small letter, I opened it up. Gently placed between two worn tissues was a slightly broken Missionary badge. Laura's missionary badge, the one that says "Sister Burns ...The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." My heart about jumped out of my body. I held it, as if it were a block of gold. This is the badge Laura has worn for at least 1/2 of her mission. What an honor to wear that badge and let the world know what you stand for. After wearing the badge for so long, she says the words are emblazed on her heart now and forever. It was ...of course a tear jerker. My little girl, my little lolo who sleeps with a baby blanket is a Missionary, sometimes I still can't believe it.( The blanket is in a drawer, I found it months after she left, for those of you who know Lolo well, that was probably harder to leave behind than me or Roostie)
In the Daily gem for the day it says," The Lord's Church has the responsibility to preach the gospel in the world. This is the foundation of missionary work, and the duty of our missionaries is to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy Ghost , and enduring to the end" This is what my little baby goat has been doing. She is serving the Lord in a most committed way. That 110% of her time, thoughts, goals are all in service of the Lord. I could not be more proud of my daughter.
Today I emailed her and asked her to please keep the Tamiflu medicine in case the swine flu comes back in her area. She says and I quote" don't worry about it little mommy, the Brethren will let us here in NY know if we need to worry" Laura has so much faith it is amazing and so wonderful, her faith in blessings and the power of the Priesthood makes me thrilled she "gets it". Susie Bramble told me once , that when the children came home from their missions, she didn't worry about them as much. Because they came home from their missions with more knowledge and strength to live righteously , and be worthy to receive the blessings promised them. "They get it". I now know Laura"gets it"
Last week I went to the Temple with not much time to just hang around. I chose to do initiories, it is usually 45 minutes. With out saying too much, in regards to the sacredness of Temple ordinances. I mentioned my daughter was serving a mission in New York. My names were all New York women. One of the workers couldn't hold back her emotions , she said later, "I was just struck by the thought that your daughter is serving the Lord in New York, and you are here serving the Lord for New York people". I just love when things like that happen. It strengthens your testimony and is a good experience to have on hand for teaching. I have received a bundle of letters from missionary moms, internationally mission moms, people Laura taught and were baptized. They are so tender and treasures to keep forever. I usually make a copy and send to Grandpa and Grandma in the Garden. They have sacrificed so much for Laura and even the little grandchildren have sacrificed for Laura. There were no birthday gifts to the grandchildren this year. All birthday money was sent to cousin LAURA. How is that for family love in supporting a missionary. We are grateful or all of you who have put your wants aside and helped Laura serve the Lord. Laura is a family missionary and you will be blessed for your sacrifices made in her behalf. Thank-you everyone of you for the love, support and letters sent to my girl. We appreciate everything and just think in 3 or 4 months, she will be home, spooning, and taking Roostie for a walk in her new pink buggy and telling me every single thing that happened while she was in the service of our Lord. Remember to "STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LIGHT SIDE" and know we love you. Love from a missionary mom, Kathy PS. She was transfered to Palmyra today, they are getting all missionaries in place and ready for the pageant so I will post new address as soon as I get it.OXOX
So last Thursday night, I thought, well, if there is something for me to look at, I'll open Pandora's box.
Sitting on top of all her winter clothes, was a very small letter, I opened it up. Gently placed between two worn tissues was a slightly broken Missionary badge. Laura's missionary badge, the one that says "Sister Burns ...The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." My heart about jumped out of my body. I held it, as if it were a block of gold. This is the badge Laura has worn for at least 1/2 of her mission. What an honor to wear that badge and let the world know what you stand for. After wearing the badge for so long, she says the words are emblazed on her heart now and forever. It was ...of course a tear jerker. My little girl, my little lolo who sleeps with a baby blanket is a Missionary, sometimes I still can't believe it.( The blanket is in a drawer, I found it months after she left, for those of you who know Lolo well, that was probably harder to leave behind than me or Roostie)
In the Daily gem for the day it says," The Lord's Church has the responsibility to preach the gospel in the world. This is the foundation of missionary work, and the duty of our missionaries is to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy Ghost , and enduring to the end" This is what my little baby goat has been doing. She is serving the Lord in a most committed way. That 110% of her time, thoughts, goals are all in service of the Lord. I could not be more proud of my daughter.
Today I emailed her and asked her to please keep the Tamiflu medicine in case the swine flu comes back in her area. She says and I quote" don't worry about it little mommy, the Brethren will let us here in NY know if we need to worry" Laura has so much faith it is amazing and so wonderful, her faith in blessings and the power of the Priesthood makes me thrilled she "gets it". Susie Bramble told me once , that when the children came home from their missions, she didn't worry about them as much. Because they came home from their missions with more knowledge and strength to live righteously , and be worthy to receive the blessings promised them. "They get it". I now know Laura"gets it"
Last week I went to the Temple with not much time to just hang around. I chose to do initiories, it is usually 45 minutes. With out saying too much, in regards to the sacredness of Temple ordinances. I mentioned my daughter was serving a mission in New York. My names were all New York women. One of the workers couldn't hold back her emotions , she said later, "I was just struck by the thought that your daughter is serving the Lord in New York, and you are here serving the Lord for New York people". I just love when things like that happen. It strengthens your testimony and is a good experience to have on hand for teaching. I have received a bundle of letters from missionary moms, internationally mission moms, people Laura taught and were baptized. They are so tender and treasures to keep forever. I usually make a copy and send to Grandpa and Grandma in the Garden. They have sacrificed so much for Laura and even the little grandchildren have sacrificed for Laura. There were no birthday gifts to the grandchildren this year. All birthday money was sent to cousin LAURA. How is that for family love in supporting a missionary. We are grateful or all of you who have put your wants aside and helped Laura serve the Lord. Laura is a family missionary and you will be blessed for your sacrifices made in her behalf. Thank-you everyone of you for the love, support and letters sent to my girl. We appreciate everything and just think in 3 or 4 months, she will be home, spooning, and taking Roostie for a walk in her new pink buggy and telling me every single thing that happened while she was in the service of our Lord. Remember to "STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LIGHT SIDE" and know we love you. Love from a missionary mom, Kathy PS. She was transfered to Palmyra today, they are getting all missionaries in place and ready for the pageant so I will post new address as soon as I get it.OXOX
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)