May 4, 2014 - May the Fourth Be With You!

Our hearts were overflowing today as we welcomed several less-active members and investigators to Church.  It is so joyful to see the change in people's lives as they return and embrace the fulness of the gospel.  One man bore his testimony for the first time in many years.  Laurel thought her heart would burst!  We love these people so much!  Those who have borne trouble and heartache find relief and solace through the plan of happiness and the love of the Lord.  We are blessed to have the opportunity to teach them.

We spent the greater part of four days over the last week+ moving two families.  Thankfully, no one put their back out or dropped anything heavy on their foot.  :)  Only one bit of damage occurred, which is being repaired, so that's pretty good.  

On Service Day about 20 of us in the Murphy Branch spent half a day working on the Murphy River Trail, planting, trimming, spreading mulch.  We accomplished a lot and spread some good will around, as well.  Everyone enjoyed a sandwich lunch afterwards, joined by the chiefs of the project from the city.

We have lunch monthly with some friends from the Food Pantry.  Last week at the luncheon these friends brought up many questions about our religion.  (We never have to introduce the subject, they always do.)  It gave us the opportunity to basically teach about the restoration, prophets, the apostasy, and answer other questions.  Love it!

As a senior couple, we have few hard and fast rules.  So for our Friday night date, we went to the movie, "Heaven Is For Real".  It was interesting and well done.  However, all the way through it, we kept noting to each other how grateful we are for the knowledge we have through the gospel.  We are not casting about for answers to basic questions and know where and how to find answers to any question.  We left the theater with peace and security in our testimonies of the gospel and Jesus Christ.  

We enjoyed the CES Devotional with Elder Ballard tonight.  His instruction, though intended for young adults, is good for all of us.  We are blessed and grateful to have inspired leaders called by God to help us make life corrections and follow the proper path.  

The gospel is TRUE!  This IS the Lord's true Church on the earth!  We love Him!  We pray for people everywhere to find and live the gospel principles.  

Love and prayers for all ya'll--

Elder and Sister Ogden

Out for a spring walk

Working on Murphy River Walk

Feeding the hungry workers

"De Soto Trail - Near this spot in 1540
Fernando De Soto and his men crossed
this stream which flows into the waters
of the Mississippi River."
This plaque is in Franklin, N.C

This sign reminds us of the loss of
our former neighbor in Provo and
dear friend, Dave Henson

Beautiful wild azalea in
the N.C. mountains

Clematis is amazing!

So true, so true.