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.