Regional Conference

Today we attended a broadcast for the North Europe Regional Conference.  It originated in Edinburgh Scotland with Elder Holland. It went out to the British Isles, Iceland, and all of Scandinavia.  All of the talks were fabulous, really one of the best conferences I have attended.
Basically the subjects covered were how to be safe in these times and help others do the same.
 Two thoughts to ponder: when our children and grandchildren look into our eyes, they need to see our faith in Jesus Christ and know that everything will be alright through Him.
  Sis. Teixeira said their family has a rule that children, when outside the house, have to hold to someone's hand.  A clever little granddaughter said, "I can hold my own hand."  She compared this to keeping the Sabbath Day as a day to connect with Heaven.  Are we holding our own hand instead of God's?

 Elder Holland's talk was marvelous on The Book of Mormon.  I have never heard such a powerful testimony and covering of everything having to do with the book.

The English section was full as was those hearing the  Danish translation in the Chapel.  A great turnout..

Thanks to Technology

Thanks to technology and a kind bishop, we were able to "attend" our granddaughter's baptism today.
Congratulations Sophie!

We have also enjoyed end-of-the year dance recitals and music programs.  We are so blessed!

Heaven Is In Charge

With Elder Perry's death and Elder Kearon's visit this week, I have realized again, that this Church is really directed by Heaven, God and Christ are in charge.
 With Elder Perry's quick demise, it is obvious he was not to be the president of the church even though he was third in line.  His further work in the Kingdom is on the other side.
   Elder Kearon's conversion story adds to my conviction that Heavenly Father knows each of us and we each have our own set of responsibilities and things to accomplish here on the earth.
   Elder Kearon was 26 when he joined the church.  He is from England and one night, he and some friends invited some girls to go dancing, who "happened" to be on a BYU Study Abroad Program.  They talked about the church and he thought they were nice girls but with outlandish ideas and amazed that anyone could belief what they did. One of the girls invited him to America where he lived a short time, saw the church working and it softened his attitude a bit. 
   When he returned to England, a set of sister missionaries talked to him on the street.  He said he knew all about what they believed and he wasn't interested, but he'd be happy to buy them some lunch as long as they didn't try to convert him.  They kept meeting and "gently" taught.  Finally they asked if he would like a "blessing."  He agreed and they meet with a senior couple in the area.  The brother gave him a blessing and he said it was like a window opened and changed everything.
    Following his baptism he meet "Jen" who was on another BYU Study Abroad for 6 months.  They dated for the 6 months she was there and were eventually married.
    Can you imagine your 19 year old daughter coming home from England and telling you she wanted to marry a Brit, brand new member of the church who was 9 years older than she was! They worked it out and what a blessing for them and everyone involved. 
    Again, a testimony that God knows each of us and what we are to do here to build the Kingdom.    

Temple Review - Elder Kearon

Once during the three years as a temple president, a General Authority comes for a Temple Review.  Ordinarily I think you are supposed to get a packet of information to prepare.  However, ours never came, which is just as well so we didn't worry and just had a great time with Elder Patrcik Kearon. He is currently in our Area Presidency but will be come the President August 1.  He was so delightful, kind and loving.  It was a wonderful experience for all of us.

 

He walked around the temple and related areas including the guest home just to get acquainted with everything.  He was impressed with the beauty and care of the temple.

After meetings he invited the temple presidency, stake president and mission president to lunch at the Marriot.  The rolls and salted butter were the hit of the day.  Later, he observed ordinances.

 Today, he met with the sealers and afterward we had lunch here in the apartment.  He asked some of us to share our testimony.  It was a sweet time together.  How I love the people we work with.
  Apparently we had no problems or concerns as he caught an early flight home for his daughter's birthday.  It was so nice to get acquainted with him. These men are so dedicated and give all to the Lord.
   Elder Kearon didn't join the church until he was 26.  That great story tomorrow.

 

  

Coincidence?

This darling couple came to be married today. Jennifer is from Spain (but born in Columbia), Fredrik Petterson is from Norway.  They are both the only members of the church in their families.  Jennifer served in the Rochchester, New York Mission.  One of her companions knew Fredrik and suggested they connect. They did, met at Fest I Nord, the yearly YSA convention for the Scandinavian Countries, and were married today.
   Fredrik was baptized when he was a foreign exchange student.  That mother and son came from the US for the wedding, plus there were 5 other guests. It was a very sweet, small gathering.  They would have been married in Stockholm but it is closed right now for two weeks, so they came here.  And now the rest of the story:  Fredrik came to the Preston MTC while we were there and we knew him.  Jim, whom he had a personal connection to,  was able to marry them.  Heavenly Father is so kind.

The Christensens Return

Connie and Vance Christensen, some of our former temple missionaries, stopped for a visit today.  Vance has a hobby of collecting credit card points to travel the world.  They were returning from Turkey and the Balkan States and arranged a 23 hour stop-over in Copenhagen.  Their first request was to go to the Sorte Gryde, our little hole in the wall restaurant.

We invited those who knew them to our apartment for a dessert party. It was very huggelig and pleasant.

 Citron Fromage is Vance's favorite and two people brought it.  It is fantastic.

New Starts

Today Jim and I had to go downtown and renew our Opholdstilladelses or permission to remain in Denmark.  In the past ,we have gone before they opened and waited outside for 45 minutes, so we could be first in line.  Today we went midmorning and were through in an hour.  If we only get the permission for a year we will do the same thing next year.  Hopefully they will give it to us for 18 months....
   We rode the bus both ways.  This was a unique bus with plenty of room for bikes and buggies.

I also planted my tomato plants that I have grown from seed. I have never done this before and it has been so fun to follow their progress and see how quickly they have grown.  I have shared them with the other missionary couples and my neighbors. A good return on my 20 Kroner.