afternoon helping others instead of having his dinner. He finally returned to a cold dinner after everything was all cleaned up. What a man! <3
May 31 we had the joy of attending a lakeside picnic hosted by the Boyds for new and returning members in our Branch. 26 people came and enjoyed terrific food, boat rides, turtle game, corn hole toss, and great visits. It was so fun! The Boyds host something every month for such people as part of their missionary effort in the Branch part-time missionary program. The Family Home Afternoons are also part of this effort. It is through the FHA that Sister Barmes became interested and joined the Church.
June 1 our entire extended family celebrated (from wherever they were) Lynn's father's 102nd birthday. He is amazing! He still lives alone in the house he built in 1937-38, has a good-size garden, takes walks every day, and is sharp as a tack! He has been an anchor to the family in his work ethic, devotion to his wife, service, thrifty living, and faith. We all love him and appreciate his firm example.
We enjoy providing food and serving at the local Soup Kitchen several times a year, along with the Branch members. It's a great way to interact with quite a few people, some indigent and some not. It's open to anyone who wants a free lunch. We usually make several kinds of soup, have bread or rolls, drink, and dessert. We kick it up to baked potato bar or lasagna or the like for special months that have a holiday.
Recently for the Murphy FHA we showed them Saratov Approach, the film about the two LDS missionaries who were kidnapped in Russia in the late 90s. It was fun to gather with these special friends for popcorn and a movie. Moreso, it caused us all to reflect on our testimonies and our blessings.
We experienced our first time participating in a discussion that went so wrong. The person was so defensive that the principles we were teaching did not settle with her at all. The one bright spot was when Elder Gerig related the first vision in Joseph's own words. All of us felt the Spirit then. I had such a warmth spread through me. I knew that what Joseph experienced really happened. I am very grateful for that testimony.
Last week: Monday--Asheville for Zone Meeting; Tuesday--Robbinsville FHA; Wednesday--Knoxville to work in Bishop's Storehouse and get car serviced; Thursday--graduation party and one high school graduation; Friday--second high school graduation and birthday dinner with friends; Saturday--Atlanta for temple day and farewell dinner for Elder Froelich that night; Sunday--Father's Day; WHEW!! And that's just the highlights!
Remember: "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." Pres. Uchtdorf
"Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith." Pres. Monson
"Stop seeking out the storms, and enjoy more fully the sunlight." Pres. Hinckley
"When life gets too hard to stand, kneel." Pres. Hinckley
Love from our hearts to yours--
Elder and Sister Ogden
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| Lunch with Pres. & Sister Caron |
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| Mountain Laurel (for which Sister Ogden is named) |
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| Pontoon boat ride |
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| Eugene McDonald and Vernon Barmes playing Corn Hole Toss |
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| Dad Ogden in his "small" garden |
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| Happy Birthday 102! |
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| Canada Geese lined up for reflection :) |
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| District training on working together Sisters Nelson & Wynn, Elders Hagans & Larson |
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| Zone Leaders tie stash |
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| Peaceful ride |
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| Carolyn & Vernon Barmes |
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| 1/2 of Robbinsville FHA group at Stecoah Diner |
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| FHA Group in Stecoah |
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| Beautiful mushrooms (enlarge for real beauty) |
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| Elder Froelich sings farewell hymns |
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| Our invitation to ya'll |
