BLOG 55, OCT 23-29, 2023
SHORT BUT SWEET THIS WEEK!
I know it’s hard to believe
that I could be short and sweet, does that mean when I’m not short, I’m not
sweet? But we’re going to try to be both (short and sweet). I’ll remove this
message if I didn’t succeed. 😉
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| Let's just say it was shorter than many former blogs. |
FALL IS ALIVE IN THE PARK
I love watching week
after week how the fall is peaking its head with its crisp air and leaves
turning a beautiful bright red, pink and yellow. It’s all coming so quickly,
but it’s so beautiful and we look forward to seeing the continued changes,
until the leaves have all fallen off and then we enjoy what it offers in the wintertime.
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| Each day the park changes into Fall! |
DISTRICT COUNCIL IN PERSON AND LUNCH
We had an incredible in-person
District Council, followed with a lunch. What impressed me more than anything
is the inspired questions and discussion that lasted for an hour and a half. I
was so impressed!
In our last two France
missions, Steve and I have attended over 3 years total of District Councils, and
they were all wonderful, but there has been something uniquely amazing with
this district. There is a genuine and sincere desire to learn, share and
discuss with one another. I’m not sure all the reasons that it has been so
different, but I feel the district leader, just as a parent, can set the stage
of how a district intentionally interacts with one another. The love shown, the
genuine care and spirit filled questions have been so awesome, which in turn
generates an amazing conversation with one another. These experiences when they
return home, can turn around to be amazing teaching tools in their homes, in
their work, at school and as leaders. I made sure to bring this out in our
meeting at the end, of how impressed and inspired I’ve been with each of them
and their District Leader. They need to know how amazing they have been.
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| The beloved district! |
Ok, so what about lunch? They all decided on Raclettes. You have to have a special Raclette machine to melt the cheese and heat the meat (there were only 2 machines available). They brought so many potatoes, cheese and meat slices, that I thought there was no way they could use them all. The potatoes were cooked prior, then pre heated again. Then you would melt the cheese, heat up the meat slices and put the meat on top of the potatoes and then the melted cheese over. They would load up their plates, and I figured they were done, finished! Yet, Elder Cheney had 5 loaded plates, along with many others would do the same. I was blown away by how much they ate of this favorite meal of theirs. We brought our own meal, but they love their Raclettes!
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| Eating their Raclettes, Elders Doyon and Marsters |
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| Building a Raclette, starting with the potatoes on the right. |
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| There many varieties of meat slices they would use. |
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| Here's the District! |
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| Elder Marsters enjoying one of my Celestial Sugar Cookies. |
Wednesday, we had a lovely
visit and update with Elder and Sister Hansen who are serving in Toulouse. They
are doing amazing, and we shared back and forth ideas that are working well
there and those areas working well here, all learning from each other. They are
energetic and very dynamic in their great efforts.
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| Elder and Sister Hansen - Zoom meeting. |
CHÂTEAUX SEARCH IS ON FOR NEXT WEEK
Next Monday-Wednesday, Steve
and I will be getting away to visit Dordogne, France, the valley of 1,001 Châteaux.
We will only be seeing about 6 of them. Everyone we’ve spoken with encourages
us to go. It’s about a 4 ½ hour drive from Lyon. A little get away from our apartment/office
will be welcomed.
Steve went online to find
out which ones were the most favorite of the plethora of Châteaux and a list of
about 20 were the most admired. I only wish we had time to see all 20 of the
ones we looked at.
We’ll be reporting next
week with an overabundance of photos, no doubt, making up for this week’s short
and sweet.
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| This may not be one of the Châteaux we go to, but just an internet example of what is in Dordogne. |
COMPILING MY NOTES FROM INSPIRED MESSAGES
After the weekend of
October 6-8th, from attending the General Conference Leadership review
via Zoom, then the next two days of Stake Conference, I’ve been working on compiling
my many notes for the last few weeks here and there, with such inspired
information. From these notes I’m feeling compelled that there is much I need
to be learning from these three days. I’ve been so inspired by this compilation
of notes and have a specific desire to put them into practice, along with the
ongoing study of General Conference which continues to uplift and inspire me/us
each day.
I love the daily discussion
that Steve and I have about our studies each day. There is always something we
learn, which will in turn bless our lives.
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| This quote from President Nelson was quoted multiple times in our Stake Conference. It must needs be that we hear it again. |
CONTINUED SEARCH FOR THE FAMILY OF GISÈLE
I have not given up in my
search for Gisele’s family. I have now located all of them on social media, but
they are either inactive on FB, or it’s private and they would not allow a
total stranger in their lives. I have found a couple of addresses, and whether
they are current or not, I will write a couple of letters and try that way. I
feel so compelled for lots of reasons, especially since we are still in France.
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| This is Pierre and Gisele's family (not sure how long ago), but it was so fun to see. When I met them 45 + years ago, they were all small and much younger. |
During the week, I got a hold of 2 sets of missionaries as they supposedly lived in the same vicinity of possibly two of Gisèle’s children. I went through and shared my brief story and why I’m looking for them. They are so awesome to help us.
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Elder Gillespie |
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| Sisters Connors and Winter went also on a search for another member of the family that lived near them. No one was home when they went. We're not giving up. They love the story and want to help. |
DATE WITH MY DEAR STEVE
We stretched our date into
two sections, first taking a beautiful walk at the park, not something new, but
always a treat and the weather was gorgeous! We aren’t big on eating out (not
often anyhow), unlike in Paris, where we ate out once a week for our dates, but
because of dietary restraints now we enjoy our meals at home. But we certainly enjoy
our time together, playing games, watching a wonderful movie and just feeling
grateful to be together.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Our numbers were small today
because of vacation for two weeks in France, thus families take off. It was wonderful,
nonetheless. Sister Ferrari is being transferred to Montpellier. She has been
such a blessing to so many. She is always serving, translating, which she did
today and loving everyone around. She and her companions brought a man who had
just moved to Lyon two days ago from Liberia. He was the kindest man and is wondering
how he’s going to learn French. It’ll come, he’s young, and a good man. We had
a wonderful visit with him and asked for him to sit by us.
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| Sisters Stewart, Manate and Ferrari. How we will miss Sister Ferrari as she leaves this weekend. |
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| Sister Manate, was brought a cake for her birthday 2 days ago. |
We had a wonderful second hour, combined, 5th Sunday meeting. What was spoken of, was one of the important items we have been learning from the General Conference Leadership Seminar Review we sat in on and then Stake Conference speaking of much the same thing.
The main focus in this
meeting, was on the Sabbath and preparing for a meaningful and spirit filled
Sacrament Meeting; in how we prepare, how we show love and visit out in the
foyer and then once in the Sacrament Meeting, the importance of reverence, focusing
on the Savior and honor the beautiful ordinances we are partaking to renew our
covenants. It was a continued witness of what we’ve been learning for the last
3 weeks. It was such a beautiful discussion-based lesson. Then we are to
discuss at home how we can apply all these principles. I’ve been so captivated
because of all the notes I’ve been compiling from all these meetings and
similar topics. I will then be adding these notes to my document/compilation.
CHILDREN/GRAND CHILDREN/FAMILY MOMENTS
Austin’s Cello Performance in his ward
Last week, I received a
text saying that Austin had played his cello piece in his ward. I can’t
remember if I have shared the beautiful arrangement of his playing Melinda
Allred’s arrangement on this blog, but here is the piece with Austin on the
cello.
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| Austin played this piece below last Sunday in his ward in Florida. Melinda is NOT the one accompanying him here, but someone from their ward. You'll love the YouTube video of him playing with Melinda. |
WATCH/LISTEN TO GUIDE ME TO THEE - DUET WTIH MELINDA AND AUSTIN
Camille’s trip to the temple with the
youth!
Camille was able to bring
3 of her children and other youth to the temple this week. What a joy it is to
see these youth having this amazing opportunity. Jayden, Camille’s almost 16
year old, ended up being the one to do the baptisms for 15 youth, as the next
group needed someone.
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| Camille with three Duckworth kids and other friends from their ward. |
Memory
photos that show up on my phone!
Periodically my phone, as
all of ours do, will send a photo memory, and this one popped up. How I love them
and seeing them three together.
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| Our 3 daughters, Camille, Janine and Becca! |
Becca and children video chat
It was so fun to video chat
with Becca and her children on Friday, the day before she and Brian took off
for California. The kids are being babysat by two of their great aunts, who
love doing this for any of the great nieces and nephews.
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| Becca, Mason and Henry during our video chat. |
Becca and Brian’s trip to California
These amazing,
spontaneous trips that Becca and Brian often do with children are because Brian
can do them on a dime, from his amazing tips with getting lots of travel miles
and big discounts on car rentals and hotels. He’s a master at this. They had a
wonderful time in San Fransisco and other areas nearby this time.
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| Brian and Becca on their way to their CA adventure. |
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| Lombard Street |
Sister Maliyah Duckworth missionary email thoughts
“This week I hit 6
months as a missionary!!!! Literally done with 1/3 of my mission... it's gone
by so fast, I've learned so much, and I can't wait to see what this last year
has to offer and what God has in store for me! There's nothing else I'd rather
be doing right now.
One miracle from this
week:
I went on exchanges with
Hermana Danner again (she's amazing and always makes me feel so good! love that
girl) and we had a confirmed lesson with our friend Gabe. To keep it short, it
was an AMAZING lesson. K, when we got there this dude already had chairs set up
outside for us, his notebook with notes and questions and his book of Mormon
(which he's actually been reading from) on a table next to his chair, and he
was just SO prepared!!! We taught him the entire restoration lesson and talked
for over an hour. It was by far one of the most beautiful lessons I think I've
ever been a part of. He was smiling ear to ear and nodding the whole time, and
said he literally had goosebumps (aka he was totally feeling the spirit--as did
we). I love Gabe so much and can't wait to update you guys on his journey!! I
spy a baptism next transfer ✨️ nothing makes me happier than
sharing about and watching how Christ changes lives.”
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| Sister Maliyah Duckworth |
“This week was crazy!
We really had some amazing miracles happen that came about through some crazy
means, but miracles, nonetheless. And honestly, this week absolutely FLEW by.
The days just slowly get faster and faster. This area is so amazing, I can't
even express how much I love it here and the people too. I don't have a ton of
time to write this, butttt...
Here are some highlights
from the week:
- Tuesday we had Zone
Conference with our Mission President, President Snyder! It was amazing and I
learned a ton. They talked about how we can ask better spiritually guided
questions, and that once we do that the spirit can better help teach and
testify to the person. We talked about a lot of other stuff too, but it was
awesome!
- One of our
investigators, Ana, is reading the BOM and loving our lessons and is on date
for baptism next Saturday!
- Having lots of
opportunities to lead conversations, lessons, and even guiding us in the area.
I've learned a lot about the area in the 2 weeks I've been here.
- Got a baptismal date
and found a new family through playing "What're the Odds?"🤔
One of the cool things I
get to do on the regular is to just follow that one line I've always remembered
from that old Robots movie: "See a need, Fill a need." (Or
something like that) and really we honestly do this a lot when we're out and
about. Whether it's recognizing in a lesson someone's needs and teaching
according to them, stopping to help an old man pull his weeds in his little
garden, helping a drunk dude get back to his home, or even just smiling and
saying high to someone. Being kind pays off, and there's never gonna be a
reason to not be kind. There is no better way you could spend your time in life
than just being kind and spreading your Christlike love to others.
So I challenge you all to
do this! If you see a need, fill a need. Ask for God's help to know how
you can better help others lives, and I promise you will be helping yours in
the process.”
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| Elder Duckworth on the back left. |
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| Kyson catching his companions taking an unintended nap. |
GOSPEL STUDY REVIEW
Book of Mormon
We need the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost daily
in our lives.
Help others see the hand of God in their lives. He is always
there!
The wicked stir up the hearts of the wicked.
Our commitment to God will allow us to receive the
help and blessings needed to survive through the hard times of life.
The Lord hears the prayers of those who are sincere
and desire to hear His direction in their lives.
All will stand before God to be judged according to their
works.
The Book of
Mormon is of great worth for these the latter days.
Come Follow Me
We need to live pure and affectionate lives in Jesus
Christ.
2nd Timothy 1:7, “God hath not given us
the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Disciples of Jesus Christ treat one another like brothers
and sisters.
It is essential to focus on inspired questions, not fables
or myths with no depth of meaning or purpose.
Christ is the pillar that holds up the church.
Paul expresses the need to avoid the deceptions of the
world, which often seems appealing. Many of life’s perils can creep into our
lives if we are not vigilant and diligent in faithfulness.
Paul saw everything with an eternal view, just like President
Nelson when he asked us to Think Celestial!
Conclusion:
May each of you know of
our deep love for you, our admiration for you, and our gratitude for all you
are, and are becoming. We were brought to this earth for this cause, to become
what He knows we can become, to grow through our trials, and to know that God
is over all and is mindful of each of us, loves us, and knows our heartaches
and our great capacities, even in weakness. We know that God and our Savior
Jesus Christ live, and we pray each of you may know and have confidence in this
great plan of happiness they have prepared for us.
With all our love,
Elder et Sœur
Packer Grandpère et Mémé
801-336-6153
(Steve’s)
801-564-1332 (Renée’s)
Address below: Please include the name and address as stated
Les Missionaires –
PACKERS
59 rue Bossuet
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