Lynn is feeling well since his heart ablation. Everything seems to be healed and functioning as it should. We are grateful for this wonderful blessing. He has done quite a lot of physical work since the surgery. He worked hard helping build a 40-foot ramp for a sister in the Branch, also moving people a lot.
Laurel was able to drive our dear Sister Donna Orstrom to the Atlanta Temple one day. They enjoyed their time together in the temple, as well as the several hours driving to talk, share, and build their friendship even deeper. Sister Orstrom broke her leg a couple of months ago and has sorely missed attending the temple. It was a big and taxing day for her, but wonderful! Lynn was occupied with obligations to the county that day.
Mother's Day was a great time for Laurel to hear from and talk to the family. In church a visiting family had a darling baby with big blue eyes. That set Laurel off! :) Tears flowed freely as she missed the grandbabies. Most of the time the love and joy of missionary work keeps homesickness at bay, but there are those occasional moments.
We had the pleasure of hosting a couple overnight recently. Howard and Sarah Stosich passed through Murphy enroute to an appointment in Franklin. Howard has the contract to tune the pianos in the Asheville Stake. He is the brother of our friend and neighbor in Provo.
We traveled only 3700 miles in a month! Going to Atlanta, Asheville, Knoxville, and many, many trips throughout our area racked up the miles quickly. It would be so helpful if the price of gas would STOP rising! Ah well, we will go anyway.
As some of our less-active members begin to return to activity, our hearts rejoice for and with them. We know that following the path of the gospel is the only true way to joy and happiness, for that is the way back to our Heavenly Father. Thus, when new members or any member falls into inactivity, our hearts grieve and ache for the loss of them from our midst.
We experienced overflowing joy last week as two wonderful sisters were baptized. Rachel Colvin was baptized on Thursday evening, and Carolyn Barmes was baptized on Saturday. They were both confirmed on Sunday. It is remarkable the change that takes place in a person's life and heart as they come to understand and embrace the Lord's plan. Daniel Register has set his baptism date for June 7. The scripture is so true in D&C 18:15, "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" We feel as Alma when he said, "I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy."
Life is hard for everyone sometimes. Life can seem unfair. It is our rock to know that the Lord is our foundation, our Savior, our friend, and in Him we can find peace and joy.
We love you, every one!!
Elder & Sister Ogden
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| At the park by the river. |
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| Giant yummy strawberries! |
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| Sister Irion teaching our zone about the whole armor of God. |
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| Elder Ogden teaching the zone about working with the ward council. |
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| Remember, remember. |
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| Sweet Rachel Colvin and Elder Ogden. |
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| Sister Cottle's cat reigns from above. |
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| Elder Gerig, Elder Froelich, Brother & Sister Barmes, Sister & Elder Ogden. |
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| Japanese Dogwood |
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