March 26, 2014 - March like a lion!

Well, March came in like a lion and stayed that way.  We  have had a very few spring-like days but plenty of blustery, cold ones, too.  The redeeming factor is that some flowers and blooming trees give us hope of full-blown spring soon.

Elder Ogden has been A LOT of extra driving the last couple of weeks as he assists some who have no wheels and live far out from town.  Sometimes I have to ride along, but not 
always.  Then I have a chance to get some cleaning, mending, or cooking done in my small gift of time.  We seem to fill our tank very often, about every three days.  $$$  Oh well, it's for a good cause, and the Lord keeps blessing us to meet our obligations somehow.

We are having a wonderful time teaching two young adults the lessons.  It makes us so happy to see people inquire and seek the Lord and His answers.   We also are teaching Brother Barmes' wife, Carolyn.  To our great joy, they are coming back to Church, and Carolyn has committed to baptism!  April 26!  This may be the pinnacle of our mission thus far.  We have been visiting less-active members for many months now.  We are beginning to see fruits from these visits, as with the Barmeses.  One sister who seems to have been lost was so happy to have contact with members again.  We are re-teaching her and her son the lessons.   

 We now have TWO ARP groups meeting!  Can you believe it?  After several months of not one person showing up to meetings, we now have two groups!  Our love for others is certainly increasing as we have the opportunity to serve them.

Sister Ogden ordered the film, "Saratov Approach", recently.  We were inspired as we watched it with the Elders.  We are planning to show it to interested parties in the Branch.  Get the popcorn going!

We enjoyed a concert at the Folk School last week.  The artist is a folk singer, dancer, instrumentalist.  We are posting some videos of her on Dropbox.  Let us know if you want to view them.  Also posted will be some music of our Elders.

We need some help!  How do you enjoy/receive/refuse Southern food and hospitality?  We have been SO WELL fed that the scales are not happy!  I have only cooked dinner a couple of times in the past 10 days!  People are so kind, giving, loving, and we love them so much...and their food and efforts to serve.  We just can't buy bigger clothes!

Today we took our dear Elder Crestani to Knoxville for transfer.  We love him very much and will sorely miss him.  He has become one of our own.  We have had him with us for seven months.  His music and gentle personality have been a boon to our whole Branch.

Now March like a lion and spread your testimony of truth and light!  YOU are needed!

Love all ya'll!!

Elder and Sister Ogden

Our favorite ice cream shop - No Name  :)

Eve Johnson's cat, Sampson, spends
all his time on the stove or
the kitchen counter edge.

"Hats Off to You"  at the Relief Society
Birthday Party.

Elder Crestani wearing Pam's
apron while helping clear
the plumbing.

Wasp nest - beautiful design!

Unbirthday or early birthday party
for Elder Crestani before
he leaves.

Jeff and Cori Frady serving up
a delicious dinner of venison,
potatoes, and veggies from
the campfire.

A taste of camp food and fire - mmmmm!

Elders Crestani and Froelich,
awesome Murphy Elders!

Pres. & Sister Irion
wielding the Sword of Truth & Might

Senior couples - Littlefields, Binghams, Collins, Ogdens

Littlefields & Ogdens
Our granddaughters are serving
in the same mission in
the Phillipines!

Teary goodbye to Elder Crestani 

March 9, 2014 - Spring Forward!

Saturday we had the privilege of attending the Atlanta Temple again with other members of the Murphy Branch.  The day was warm and beautiful, even though breezy.  The one glitch we experienced was the bill for having our car serviced while we were in the Temple.  Rather than a $35-$60 bill, we had to lay out $1000 for a new axle!  Apparently another $2000 is needed to fix the remaining problems, but they will have to wait till taxes are paid.  We knew the N.C. mountain roads are rough on our Avalon, but we didn't dream the axle and the steering would be compromised by them.  Guess there is no better way to wear out
our car than in the Lord's service.  :)

Lynn dropped Laurel at the Temple then took the car to the Toyota dealer's for service.  An employee of the dealer gave him a ride back to the Temple.  Turns out he is a refugee from Iran who used to be a Muslim.  He said he's reading the Bible now.  Lynn had the chance to teach him some about the Church and Christ's gospel.  He gave him a pass-along card with mormon.org website on it.  Great missionary opportunity to start the day!

After the Temple session when Lynn went to retrieve the car, Laurel was waiting outside when two beautiful couples walked up to her and began asking questions.  Both couples had babies, and all were dressed very well, spoke very well, and were very polite.  As she answered one question, they quickly asked another and another.  She was able to teach them briefly about eternal families, forever ordinances, temples, and how the gospel is universal and for all people.  These people were African-American.  Their interest grew as they saw several people of their own race exiting the Temple.  Laurel gave them a pass-along card and encouraged them to explore mormon.org.  A wonderful missionary opportunity to end a temple day!

An adult granddaughter of a recently baptized member has been asking questions about the Church and has decided to work for baptism.  We are thrilled!  It is so rewarding to witness the light come into someone's life then continue to grow as they progress in testimony.

We also are beginning to have attendees for our Addiction Recovery Program classes.  It is worth every minute spent there to find that it helps someone through their struggle with a substance, behavior, or distress.

We are being blessed to make many very dear friends here among the active and less-active members, as well as non-members.  We will find it very hard to leave them behind when it is our time to go home.   One benefit of our mission has been a tremendous increase in our ability to love others.  At times we cannot contain the feelings we have.

Thank you to all for your prayers in our behalf.  We know they help us and all missionaries.  The Lord's work is of paramount importance, and we are so grateful to be a part of it.
Spring forward in faith and joy!!  :)

Elder and Sister Ogden

Lady goes for her daily walk
and is always followed by
her chickens and cat.

The ultimate recycling; also
note the unique street sign.

These signs are frequently posted in yards
and in front of businesses.

A typical road we travel; this one is
in pretty good shape.

Our favorite ice cream stop.

No Name Ice Cream Parlor

Delilah, our friend's cat, spends her time on the
counter or on top of the stove.  She has a
stripe of singed fur on her back from the
stove unit behind her.