tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25554940149472514562024-02-07T17:55:52.004-08:00Fullmer Kentucky MissionUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-58913378902671124792015-09-01T06:57:00.000-07:002015-09-10T06:57:24.281-07:00September 1-6, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is an old story but the same one of how the time just flies by and the end is getting here much too fast. I had a day where I wondered if we had made any difference in this branch at all but then I stopped and thought of some of the things we have accomplished. I did a 72 hour kit thing for Relief Society, an awesome Christmas party, we are doing a primary program and we have done lots of temple work. Elder Fullmer has helped two families prepare for the winter both years by helping them cut and stack lots of wood. Sister Skeen said we might not have gotten any of her wayward children back into activity but we have certainly helped her family on the other side of the veil. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Wednesday the 25<sup>th</sup> we took Sister Hardman and Sister Skeen and went to the temple where we were able to do the work for Leroy’s brother, Sister Skeen’s sister as well as the sealing for John Milton Cunningham and his wives and children. He was married to Laura and they had a daughter and then she died, he married Annie and both her and their baby died and then he married Lucy who was Annie’s sister and had several children and we were able to get them all sealed except for one son who we will try and do before we go home. It was such a beautiful experience and Eva Mae was in tears and said she could feel them in the room as the work was done. I love doing sealings. It is just like adding links to a chain. I really want to get all the sealings done that I can before we leave as it is hard for those in the branch to schedule the extra time to do sealings. I am afraid when we are not here doing the scheduling the monthly temple trips might fall by the wayside.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Then the best part of last week was the temple trip we made with the Wilson’s and Sister Piatt. We were able to get 5 endowments done and then sealed Sister Skeen’s great great grandparents and then sealed 6 of their children to them. There are still two children we have to prove their information before adding them to the family. It was such a beautiful experience having Evan and I as parents and then having Tim, Cheryl and Fran as three of the children along with 3 other people all kneeling around the alter and connecting this family for eternity. We also sealed Cheryl’s brother and sister to their parents which she has wanted to do for several months. We have now sealed Sister Skeen’s great and great great grandparents and all their children and next week will finish the endowments and be able to seal her grandparents and their children. She wants me to try and find her family on the other side. These have all been on her father’s side but not much has been done on her mother’s side. A cousin of hers has tried to find connections but with no success. They were always told that her grandfather was part Indian but they don’t know for sure. It will be something for me to do when we get home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This week we have another temple trip planned with one of the sisters who is 87 and has only been able to attend the temple once in the time we have been here. She is taking care of her invalid non-member husband and isn’t able to get away often but she called and ask if we could take her one more time. As it means getting more of the sealings done we are more than happy to. I also have two times set up with sisters to help them with family history as they try and learn more of the programs so they feel comfortable continuing on their own. Along with planned visiting and home teaching visits and district meeting the week will be gone again. Also <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1739087546" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">on Saturday</span></span></span> we have a meeting with a member of each of the general women’s auxiliaries and the sisters from all six stakes in our mission and as acting primary president I get to go. It all makes for another busy week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Other than the temple trips I have been spending lots of time working on the primary program. We found out yesterday that two of the young people who were going to help are not going to be able to be there that <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1739087547" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Sunday</span></span></span> so we are going to have to give the kids more parts and perhaps do more of them ourselves. Our newest convert who is just 16 and lives about 20 miles out of town told us yesterday that her mother doesn’t think she needs to come to church every <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1739087548" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Sunday</span></span></span> and even though we offered to pick her up for the next few weeks her mother said she didn’t need to come that often. She was going to do a part for us in the program just to help out and she was excited to be a part of it. It is so hard to see her and feel of her enthusiasm for the gospel and her not be able to be a full part of it. Hopefully when she gets her driver’s license her mother will let her come on her own. Her family is also giving her a lot of anti-stuff but she just keeps reading conference talks to keep her spirits up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s all the news from here for now. We haven’t been to see anything else as I just want to visit old cemeteries and Elder Fullmer would rather stay home than do that. There really aren’t many more things in our general area to go see so unless we go further afield we won’t be doing much more sightseeing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We love you all. We love the gospel of Jesus Christ and the difference it makes in people’s lives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-61770500929786492962015-08-17T07:02:00.000-07:002015-09-10T07:02:30.080-07:00August 17, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
This past week was again a very busy week. Is there any other kind in life? On Monday we went out to the Lincoln Boyhood home State Park which is only about 30 miles from where we live. It was very interesting to read of some of the things he did there as a boy growing into a man from age 7-21. We learned about the milk sickness which killed his mother (from cows eating a toxic snakeroot plant). His mother is buried in the cemetery there as well as a number of others. There is a path of twelve stones beginning at the home site and going to the cemetery which were taken from various places where Lincoln lived or worked. They are from such places as his birthplace, his wife’s home, the White House, Gettysburg, the store he owned, the Anderson Cottage where he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation and The Peterson House where he died. It was especially interesting to learn how little formal education he had but what he learned from reading and applying himself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a very enjoyable day in spite of the heat, humidity and the gnats. We were certainly glad to get into the Memorial Building and look at all the displays there. We saw the chapel in the memorial building where two sets of our friends were originally married. I of course took lots of pictures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The real highlight of the past couple of weeks was our mission conference with Elder and Sister Zwick. It started even before the conference when we were able to have 3 of our favorite Elders with us. Because of the early start time for the meeting and the travel distance some of the Elders came to Tell City to stay overnight. It meant that we had Elders Stewart, Riphenburg and Gould with us which makes for some fun time. I fixed dinner for the 6 Elders, our regulars George and Sydney and then later Elder Riphenburg and his companion slept on our couches. I felt as if I had grandsons back with me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no real way to tell of the spirit we felt at the conference. Both Elder and Sister Zwick spoke with so much spirit and love. I wrote several pages in my journal of the talks they gave and my impressions but just want to share one or two of their stories. It makes for a long email but worth it I hope.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Zwick based her talk on Alma <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1739087555" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">5:26</span></span></span> “If ye have experienced a change of heart…can ye feel so now?” She told of their son Scotty (named after Elder Richard G Scott who was Elder Zwick’s mission president) who was born mentally and physically handicapped who cannot read or write but who loves people and is always happy. When his younger brother Spencer was called to serve in the Bangkok Thailand Mission he said to Scotty that he was serving for both of them. He would send Scotty pictures of his investigators and ask him to pray for them. Scotty had a whole wall of pictures. When it was nearly time for Spencer to return home from his mission, Elder & Sister Zwick had an assignment in Europe and contacted the mission president to see if it would be okay for them to pick Spencer up from his mission on their way home. The mission President called them and said that he gave permission only if they would bring Scotty on their way to their assignment and let him be Spencer’s mission companion for the week and then pick them both up when their assignment was done. Scotty was set apart as a missionary and they left him with his brother. Spencer gave him a Book of Mormon and told him that they would find someone who spoke English for him to give the book to. On the train one day Spencer heard a couple speaking English and went and talked to them. He found they were from New York and had come back home to visit with family. He went back and told Scotty to go and give them the Book of Mormon. Scotty went and sat by them and said “ I can’t read but my family has read this Book to me and I know it is true and that it will change your lives if you will read and pray about it.” They took the book and said they would read it. Spencer and Scotty had other experiences in that week that changed many people’s lives. Some months after they returned home they got a letter from the couple from New York telling them that they had just been baptized. They were so touched by the spirit they felt when Scotty told them of the Book of Mormon and his testimony of it that they looked up the missionaries and were now members of the church. In all from that week Scotty spent in Thailand five people came into the gospel. She talked about how Scotty has always had that “change of Heart” which we should all feel and continue to work to have.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Zwick told of an experience he had back in 1995. He was on several committees working with the Utah Highway Patrol. One of the officers had told him that he had heard that in Manti there was a group building up a militia and were going to take over the temple. Just a short time later President Packer called him into his office and asked him what he knew about Manti and when he told him of the rumors he had heard President Packer told him that the gospel would never be overthrown by anti-literature or guns. Nothing ever happened in Manti but it all just went away. The Lord is in control.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He also told us that the father of the sister missionary who was killed in Atlanta Georgia in May had just gone to Georgia to baptize five people his daughter was teaching at the time of her death including a couple she had just found. He stressed that we are not alone in this work but we have those associates “from another realm cheering us on. The work is supernal and that is why family history and temple work are going on. This work is not about us”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That part of his talk really helped me to not ever feel guilty when I am helping members of our branch do family history even though I could and sometimes do spend way too much time at it. It was such a spiritual high.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We once again will be going to transfer meeting tomorrow. We haven’t missed one in 18 months. There has always been someone from our district who we could take to the meeting. We love the spirit and enthusiasm as we see some going home and the new missionaries coming.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We love you all and encourage each of you to be good member missionaries. Most baptisms come from member referrals so we each need to step up and do our part.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder and Sister Fullmer</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-52184637066041138802015-08-17T07:01:00.000-07:002019-01-28T13:20:22.774-08:00Augt 17-24, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This past week was another week of travel. We went to Jasper to pick up the Elders, Louisville for transfer meeting and back to Jasper on Tuesday a 300 mile round trip. We got a new Elder who comes from a family of 20 children, 11 adopted from all over the world. He seems like a very nice young man. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Wednesday we went to Ft Knox and met up with the Liscombs and Chertkows who are two of the Senior couples left in the mission and we did some sightseeing. Liscombs are serving a military mission there. They took us to the Red Cross building they work in twice a week which is basically a large second hand store. I got a couple of pictures and a game and book all for $1. We then went to the George Patton museum which was very interesting. Patton had a big role in World War II and he also had many statements about morals, leadership and integrity. After that we went to a Mexican place for lunch, to the Lincoln home and school and then in pouring rain just drove around to see some of the places they have been. The company was the best part of it all—talking about the experiences we have each had about our different missions. It was another long day but we wished we had started doing it when we all first got here. The friendship we have would have helped each of us in our missions. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thursday Evan took the Elders to Owensboro to exchange while I worked on Primary and then that evening we had dinner with the Osborn’s. I asked Brother Osborn about the primary boys singing our last Sunday and he asked if we would do a whole primary program. It will be quite a challenge as we have so few kids but we can do it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Friday was district meeting so back to Owensboro and Saturday was a temple trip. Only Mike V and the two of us went but we were able to get 10 baptisms (temple did), 30 men’s initiatory and 4 women’s initiatory and 1 female endowment done. I really want to get those other initiatory done before we leave so no one else has to try and plan to get them done. Mike took us to Cheddars for lunch where I had a delicious steak and shrimp and they had ribs and shrimp. He said he had wanted to take us out to eat and this was his chance. After we got home I just worked on Primary as the Elders said Sydney was going to a party so I didn’t figure she would come to church. I also did my talk for the baptism tomorrow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We had Alyssa T’s baptism after church and it was so beautiful. She hugged me and said she was happier than she had ever been. I know it is going to be hard on her not having any other young women in the branch and with Osborn’s moving so we are losing our Young Women’s leader, I hope she can stay strong. Her mom and her grandma Jane were both there. This might be what her mom needs to come back into activity and Alyssa has a whole bunch of family who are less active.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The very best part of this past week was that we got the word that we are going to be great grandparents for the first time. I already knew that I was a “great” grandma but this is just more joy to spread in the family. Our granddaughter Erika and her oh so special husband put a cute video on Facebook announcing they are expecting. I am excited to know they aren’t moving to Colorado as first planned but are staying in Rexburg so we will be able to see that baby often.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As I am the queen of list makers I sat down and made an ever growing list of things I want and need to do before we leave in just 7 short weeks. Along with the continued visits we will make are a number of things that will keep me very busy which makes the time fly even faster. As I try to schedule things I find there aren’t going to be enough hours in a day but I always did work well under pressure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We so love the people here and want to continue to help in any way we can. We both know of the truthfulness of this gospel and the importance of actively participating. Having a testimony does us no good if we don’t attend church, pay tithing, serve and especially attend the temple. The greatest blessings are there for us as we fully engage in the gospel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We love you all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A couple of pictures from last weeks trip to the Lincoln Memorial. Elder Fullmer at the Lincoln Memorial Building. This building has five panels representing the different stages of Lincolns life. The plant is the milkweed plant which was the cause of Lincoln's mother's death. The next one is of Evan in from of the Patton museum and the last is of a very distant picture of Ft Knox where all the gold is and no one can go into.. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6-Iq30nytyHCHenN6rkysep2Dspa7ZwQQFZVrPoXgMC5QV6aLwt8Z9Xxv89TTA-xbxQcsA_u13IOCkzgZJGM1qirhiva3Zs99aUnMSjpAgM50j9MMPDMWMIxOvICLjMYs_hlJPoxPQ/s1600/20150810_103920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6-Iq30nytyHCHenN6rkysep2Dspa7ZwQQFZVrPoXgMC5QV6aLwt8Z9Xxv89TTA-xbxQcsA_u13IOCkzgZJGM1qirhiva3Zs99aUnMSjpAgM50j9MMPDMWMIxOvICLjMYs_hlJPoxPQ/s320/20150810_103920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQN15j1BkIfYmi0QmRYcRr9ClD-_PZbd6YKMARGZ7wp_5-c_HdQGh_E5SuopOt-HN82-oeiqyDi-wm82wqIXW92aEyVpCdsd7CnwB3PvCoaGPwdTtDZSdeRwxli305pwVIltcMIVSNg/s1600/20150819_120342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQN15j1BkIfYmi0QmRYcRr9ClD-_PZbd6YKMARGZ7wp_5-c_HdQGh_E5SuopOt-HN82-oeiqyDi-wm82wqIXW92aEyVpCdsd7CnwB3PvCoaGPwdTtDZSdeRwxli305pwVIltcMIVSNg/s320/20150819_120342.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR0QieC38BiJdhdph8FOGzLJeIJ-yUf4tVNdmrNVFvIfq6WTPZsB3_U2LDY9WldoPXt6tHZB3LI89oEcjxeu9Xn327t1Xz5HDK86-L0a88aaoK5nQI_EGt_ThdFQCtXDQ85Ad6yO-sw/s1600/20150819_124809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR0QieC38BiJdhdph8FOGzLJeIJ-yUf4tVNdmrNVFvIfq6WTPZsB3_U2LDY9WldoPXt6tHZB3LI89oEcjxeu9Xn327t1Xz5HDK86-L0a88aaoK5nQI_EGt_ThdFQCtXDQ85Ad6yO-sw/s320/20150819_124809.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-1185367561246885022015-08-05T10:21:00.000-07:002015-08-09T10:24:17.910-07:00August 5, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the fun things I did last week was go see the performance the city put on of Mary Poppins. Evan didn’t want to go so took the Elders on splits and I went with a couple of sisters from the branch. It was so much fun and the scenery was just as good as any professional production. This community has done some kind of play nearly every year since 1989 as part of their annual Schweitzer Fest which is a big celebration of the settling of their city. I also met some very fun people. Everyone here is so open and friendly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had talked to Tim and Cheryl Wilson about going back to Mammoth Caves and taking one of the better tours. They agreed it was a good time so they picked us up about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1288494783" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">7:30</span></span></span> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1288494784" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Monday</span></span></span> morning. We also took Kaden their 6 year old grandson with us. We got there thinking they were on Eastern Time and we would make the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1288494785" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">11:30</span></span></span> tour but it was sold out so we were trying for the 12 one but it sold out before we got to the front of the line but we heard a person ask about the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1288494786" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">10:30</span></span></span> tour and there were still spots. We learned they were Central time and we had just enough time to get to the tour. We were glad because we didn’t want to wait clear until <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1288494787" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">1:15</span></span></span> for the next tour.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The tour was amazing. We were more than 300 feet underground and went up and down 440 stepsand had to go through Fat Man’s Misery which was very narrow and low. We actually had to duck down to get through some of the places and even turn around at one point to get down the stairs. I was really glad we went down first because my knees hurt more going down than coming up stairs. At the end we climbed up 155 stairs in a square tower of steps. The guide was very good in explaining what had gone on in the caves in the past 200 years with the mining of the saltpeter for gun powder during the war of 1812, the tuberculosis buildings and some of the finding of new caves. We learned that many mummified bodies had been found in the caves in the past and Cheryl can remember as a little girl that one of them was on display. It wasn’t until 1979 that this was discontinued. We learned about the eyeless fish and the myriad creatures that live in the caves. In one room it was very warm after the 55 degrees we had been in. It was due to the high water level of the river which runs through part of the cave. There have actually been times when some parts of the cave have been flooded because of the rain. When the guide turned out all the lights we truly saw what total darkness is. You couldn’t see your hand even right in front of your face. It really brought to life the story in the Book of Mormon when the Savior is crucified and the blackness covers the land. I can’t imagine what the tours used to be like when only a kerosene lamp was used. It was a wonderful tour but we came out pretty worn out. Two hours of climbing put some strain on our old out of shape bodies. The tour was only 2 miles of the over 400 miles of caves that have been found and opened. I wish we had the time and money to take every tour but there is no time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stopped in Cave City for some lunch and then went to Mike’s Rock shop so Tim could find his directions. I took Kaden and we went into the rock shop to look around and found some cute rock animals and I bought him a little wolf. He is such a sweet little boy. He kept taking Evan’s iPad and he played games for a little while but mostly loved playing the primary songs. He comes from a very less active family and only comes to church when his grandparents can get permission to bring him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our time for sightseeing is all too quickly coming to an end as we have only about 10 more Mondays so we plan on trying to go somewhere every <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1288494788" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Monday</span></span></span> which bums the Elders because it means they have to do their own laundry and fix their own breakfast <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1288494789" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">on Monday</span></span></span>. I think we have spoiled them a little bit. We plan on going to visit the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln next week which won’t be nearly as long or hard as it is only about an hour from us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have continued to search for lost members of the branch. It seems as though the time just seems right when we find a new family we have been searching for. It is hard to think we are just finding some as the time is growing shorter but we will do all we can to help them come back while we are here. We just found another couple <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1288494790" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">on Sunday</span></span></span> who was so welcoming. There are two brothers who live next door to each other with their families. They live about 30 miles out which makes it harder to get to them regularly. Their parents are active in one of the wards but they both married Catholic girls and have had nothing to do with the church for a number of years. We will just continue to try and fellowship them so they have a positive feeling towards the members here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are both so grateful for the time we have had to get to know these people. This branch is so amazing. We only had 27 people to church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1288494791" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">on Sunday</span></span></span> but testimony meeting still didn't have any pauses. The people here really know how to testify of the truthfulness of the gospel and the Savior. We have been here for 17 Fast Sundays and it never ceases to amaze me. We have been so blessed to be a part of this branch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We love you all and hope you are taking every opportunity to share the gospel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder & Sister Fullmer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Below are a picture of the temple trip I took with the Sisters, The cave pictures are Us on the stairs coming out of the cave, Fat mans misery where you have to turn to get, through and Evan goofing off and little Kaden at the rock shop with crazy windows. The last two of us on the steps of the Indianapolis Temple and just a picture of the temple.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-32826956928114886632015-07-27T10:19:00.000-07:002015-08-09T10:19:41.712-07:00July 27, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This has been a very busy week with lots of travel and some unexpected service. On Tuesday I was helping a sister work on her family history as she is going on a long vacation and plans to visit 8 temples and wanted family names to do. When we took a break we happened to check Facebook and saw that Leroy and Eva Mae had been flooded badly from last night’s rain so we quickly had lunch, changed clothes and went over. There wasn’t much we could do at first because they were waiting for the insurance lady but after she came we helped load the furniture they were trying to save. We took boxes of stuff that had to be moved that hadn’t gotten wet upstairs It had all happened so quickly on Monday night. They had to get the EMT’s to come and get Leroy and move him upstairs while they tried to get the water stopped. It wasn’t just rain water but backed up sewer water from the faulty water system in Cannelton. The Cannelton Mayor says it isn’t the cities fault and they won’t help them with any of the costs. They have ended up having to tear out walls 12 inches up as well as the lower cabinets and her island in her kitchen. It turns out that Leroy’s motorized wheelchair was ruined from the water so he isn’t able to go anywhere at this time. These are the best sweetest people in the world and seem to have one trial after another.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We left at 7 with Tim, Cheryl and Sydney to go to Carmel Indiana for the temple open house. It takes nearly 4 hours to get there and with the time difference it was <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1288494780" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">noon</span></span></span> before we were there. I had the wrong address for the temple and we stopped and ask at a station and got the right directions. As we got to the temple there were people standing outside the gates handing out anti propaganda and we took their one handout not even thinking. We had a wonderful tour of the temple. Sydney just kept saying that she wanted to be there. When they said the first endowment room was for instruction she said “if it is just for instruction can I please go to that part.” She didn’t want to leave the celestial room at all. It is such a beautiful temple with gorgeous woodwork and paintings. We took lots of pictures after the tour and then left for home. She was reading the anti-literature and getting very indignant about what they were saying and why they couldn’t just leave us alone. For some reason the GPS started taking us north instead of south so we took off on a road but it turned out to be a good thing because we found a great little gyro place to eat. We visited with the owner and gave him our card and told him about the temple open house. It took us even longer to get home because of the stop and go traffic so we didn’t get home until <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1288494781" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">5:30</span></span></span>. We were both pretty worn out and knowing we had another travel day on Saturday just relaxed and worked on lessons when we got home. It was a good day and just what Sydney needed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We left at 9 for Louisville and with the time difference got there just about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1288494782" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">11:30</span></span></span> so had some time to visit with the other senior couples. It was good to spend time just visiting and comparing branches and the work we do. It made me really glad we are in Tell city when I hear about Monticello only having 6 people to church some Sundays and Beatyville sometimes only has 15. We at least average about 35. Also those two towns are so far out and on such winding roads that it takes them 45 minutes to go 19 miles to get groceries. We had a very nice salad lunch with ham and shrimp as well and just visited and each couple told of experiences and some about themselves. It was good to meet the Carbine’s who are taking the Moulton’s place in the office. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We then left for the temple where the seven couples made up the session except for one other sister. We did all branch names which made it nice for the branch to get that much work done. Most of it was on the Cunningham line. I did Martha Anna Spicer’s work. She was only married for a year when she passed away in 1893 probably in childbirth as they had a baby die in 1893 as well. When I got to the veil the spirit was so strong and such a feeling of joy. I know she, John Milton and their daughter were all there and thankful that this work is being done. I can hardly wait to seal her to him and then seal Ada to them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We were able to find another less active and to meet up with a family we had found once before who now seem interested in learning more. The husband was very active at one point but has let life get in the way. We have a return appointment on Sunday. The first time we were there I told the lady I would bring her a loaf of bread and she hasn’t forgotten that. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The work goes on and the time continues to fly. Every time I think of leaving these people I get a little emotional. We have made such good friends who really do feel like family. Our Stake President told us last Sunday that we could solve that by just moving here for good. I would miss my grandkids and kids way too much.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We are both just so thankful for the opportunity we have had to have this experience. Nothing can compare to it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We love you all</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Amy—congratulations on that new grandbaby. He is adorable. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Robert & Connie—were you by any chance in Indianapolis on Friday. We passed a semi with a load of pigs and wondered. It made us think of you anyway.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-13820528188249676322015-07-20T10:18:00.000-07:002015-08-09T10:18:25.959-07:00July 20, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">July 20, 2015</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The highlight of this past week for me was the temple trip that I took with some of the sisters from the branch. We have been working very hard to get names ready for the temple and last <br /> Wednesday 8 of the sisters and I went to the temple. We were able to do 121 baptisms( 37 family names), 40 initiatory, 6 endowments and a number of sealings. The best part of the day was that one sister did her sisters work, one did her grandmother’s work, I did a man from our branch’s mother’s work, one sister did her aunt and the other two sisters did aunts of another sister. Our newest converts did baptisms for their grandmother’s and great grandmother’s so it was a wonderful productive day. We are hoping to do more research so that we can have another such day before we leave to come home. Most of the sisters have really caught the vision of family history and we are working hard to make sure they are comfortable with the family search program so they will continue after we are gone. Evan took the Elders to appointments and then had coordination meeting with our branch mission leader while I was gone. One of the blessings and opportunities of being Senior Missionaries is that we are able to help just where we are needed and don’t need to be together at all times.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We attended another Baptist funeral this past week. It is such an interesting experience that makes me even more thankful for knowing what I know about the life after this one and the comfort it brings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This week is so scheduled that the time is going to fly. We are going to go to Indianapolis to the temple open house this Friday and are hoping to take Sydney and her mother and possibly one other lady. Along with Zone Conference, a Senior Missionary temple day, visiting teaching, some of our regular appointments and helping a sister do some family history before she leaves for her extended trip in which she hopes to visit 8 temples, it is going to be a very busy week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We just had Family Home Evening at our house and with 13 people in our little living room it made for quite a crowd and we laughed so hard at some points that we were afraid the lady next door might call the police on us. We certainly do have a good time when we are together.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The water has started to go down in the Ohio a little so the threat of flooded roads has abated somewhat but as I type I listen to the thunder and watch the lightening. The thunder here seems to roll on forever. I do love the rain but we are feeling a little water logged. It also makes for very humid days and it is hard to be out in the heat for too long without feeling as if another shower is needed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The gospel is true so what else matters. We know it, we love it and we are trying to show by our example what joy it brings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-60762078100272414562015-07-13T10:17:00.000-07:002015-08-09T10:17:40.439-07:00July 13, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
July 13, 2015</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear one and all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not much different has been going on this past couple of weeks. We have had so much rain that we thought for a while that we should build an ark. The days it hasn’t rained have been so hot and humid that we wish it would. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had to buy a car as our air conditioning went out of the old one and it was going to cost so much to fix it that we decided to look for something new. We found something that will meet our needs and has many fewer miles than the 298,000 miles that the other one has. We still plan on bringing the old car home as we won’t need the ac while driving home in October or for several months when we first get home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We got a new Elder this past week on transfer day. It was another of those really long days as we first took our Elder Stewart to Jasper where he will serve in a trio for another 3 weeks until his one companion goes home and then two weeks later his other companion goes home and he will probably get a greenie to train. We got 16 new Elders this transfer and get 14 more next transfer so a good number of missionaries are training. We then went to Louisville to pick up Elder Jessen who is from Orem Utah and has been out for 6 months. He was awfully quiet for the first few days but is now opening up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have a sisters temple day planned for this week where 9 of the sisters from the branch are going. Some will be doing baptisms, some initiatory and then hopefully the time will work out that we can do a session. We have done a lot of family history and the excitement is high especially with our two newest converts. This will be the first time they have been to the temple and they are both doing family names.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We found a lady we have been trying to contact since we got here and had a very nice visit with her. She joined as a young lady but has since gone to the Catholic Church because her husband will go there and she wants some kind of church in her life. When she lived in a different town she said the missionaries were always at her house. We will be able to see her more now as she has lost her job and isn’t really looking very hard for another one. She showed us her father’s Book of Mormon and the very old pamphlets he had from when he joined the church many years ago. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was reading in Ether this morning it really struck me as to how much our world is sounding like what was going on during that time with all the contention that is happening. We each need to stand up and speak out for what is true and right. We have the fullness of the Gospel and know what joy it brings us and we need to share with everyone we meet. Never be afraid to bear testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. We both know it is true and are so thankful for that knowledge and the peace it brings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We love you all</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder and Sister Fullmer</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-52902139190600144692015-06-29T10:16:00.000-07:002015-08-09T10:16:54.915-07:00June 29, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We had interviews with our mission president this past week and he said that we have an office couple coming in but no one else in the foreseeable future. While he was doing interviews the AP’s gave the training. It was a really good training on the “7 deadly fallacies of the GKLM” </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Great Kentucky Louisville Mission) and then squashed each one.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fallacy #1.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Humility is tearing yourself down and emphasizing every flaw.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rather it is recognizing our weaknesses and our strengths and being grateful for them.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They talked about the difference between confidence and pride.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fallacy #2</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We are here to have “fun”.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We need to remember our purpose.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fallacy </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">#3</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Being bold but not offensive.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">No sissies in the scriptures.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Getting rid of the fluff and making boldness =prayer +study+skills.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fallacy #4</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We don’t need to study PMG chap. 3.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We did a quiz and it showed me the areas I need to focus more on studying.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“the devil is the master of complexity but God is the master of simplicity.” </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They told of Brother Huntsinger whose mother was a new member who set up a meeting with the Elders and ask him to please come.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He said he would but only wanted answers to his questions from the Bible.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They answered his questions with the Bible and then backed them all up with the Book of Mormon and he knew it was true.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fallacy #5 The Lord’s work will get done no matter what I do.” </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I know we each can touch someone because of who we are or how we relate to them.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It may be someone that no one else has been able to reach.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fallacy #6</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Losing yourself in the work means becoming a robot or holier than thou or “bro”.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The consecrated missionary is exactly obedient but humble.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We still need to keep our personalities and be us but be obedient in all things.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fallacy #7 We cannot baptize.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hermana Magale told us about getting to dance in Japan.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The singer for the group was named Jermain and he had served his mission in Japan 10 years before.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His goal had been to baptize a family but he only baptized. Ding.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Going home from his mission to Australia he had a taxi driver who was really helpful but he didn’t have enough money to pay him but gave him a Japanese Book of Mormon which the driver accepted just because he was helpful.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At their dance performance Jermain suddenly stopped singing because he saw Ding.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When he talked to him he found that Ding had just recently returned from his mission to Australia.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He told of a family that was getting ready for baptism and he was helping them move and noticed a Japanese Book of Mormon on the shelf.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He picked it up and the man told him he couldn’t even read it.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ding saw that it was signed by Jermain.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So Jermain taught and baptized Ding, shared a Book of Mormon and 10 years later Ding taught the family of the man who received the Book of Mormon.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We never know what the Lord’s time frame is.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was such a good training in which they taught with spiritual experiences, humor, role playing, videoing with the iPads </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">and challenges.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Last night we drove to Louisville to the monthly fireside for new members and investigators. It was such a boost for Sydney to hear of others struggles but to feel of their testimonies. She truly bore a strong testimony of the Savior and the help the gospel has been to her. She had so many people stop her afterwards to tell her how she had touched them. Even with her struggles and the baby steps she is taking it was a good experience for her. She also had a friend with her who seemed to enjoy it all. That is one thing we all need to remember with a new member. They are sometimes coming from a totally different world and are making huge changes in their lives and we need to love and help them and not be critical if they don’t immediately understand and change everything. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Other than that day the rest of the week has been pretty normal. We did have our usual monthly temple trip which is always a good break. We talked to a young woman here on a school trip whose parents just got their mission call to Alabama. SENIOR COUPLES ARE SO NEEDED. If you know anyone who could serve please encourage them to do so. I looked at the opportunities for senior missionaries on the church site and there are so many senior couples needed in so many places. We have been so blessed in being able to serve here. It will be interesting to see where the Lord takes us next. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We hope you are all taking opportunities to share your testimonies and love of the gospel. That is what hastening the work is all about.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-37796452182703375062015-06-22T07:09:00.000-07:002015-06-23T07:10:02.289-07:00June 3-22, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;">It is hard to believe that it has been 3 weeks since my last email. Time just flies so fast and the days now seem so ordinary that it is hard to write. We still visit the less actives each month as well as doing lots of home and visiting teaching. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;">We really enjoyed watching nature unfold in our front yard the past 3 weeks. We noticed a killdeer that had a nest in our front yard which is just gravel. She would sit on her four eggs faithfully or stand beside them to shade them. It was so hard to even see her until we knew exactly where to look she blended in so well with the gravel. If we would notice that she wasn’t on her nest we would try and sneak out to see her eggs but she or the male were never far away and would start screeching and scolding us and try to lead us away. We studied up on this bird and learned that when the eggs hatch they don’t need to be fed like robins do or take time to develop because they incubate for two weeks longer than other birds and just come out and immediately start running and following their mother. Unfortunately for me the eggs all hatched while I was in Utah and I missed their first exploration outside their eggs. Evan took pictures and told me about it and it was fun to see them when I got home. They have long skinny legs and just run so fast. They were around for a few days but we can’t find them now and with the storms we have been having we don’t have any idea where they could be. It really was fascinating.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;">I had a wonderful but way too short time in Utah with my girls. We of course stayed up way too late, ate too much and talked and laughed a lot. One day I went to see my dentist and had a crown put on a broken tooth. It meant I also went to our house and had forgotten what a whirlwind we had left in. It could use some major tidying but will still be there when we get home. It was a rejuvenating 5 days even if it did wear me out to get back on those late flights.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;">We have had a great experience this past week. We took the Elders to visit some families about 20 miles away but no one was home so we stopped in to see a less active we catch occasionally. She was home and also asked her 15 year old daughter to come in and read with us. The daughter Alyssa has since read in the Book of Mormon and wants to know more. We had committed her to reading the introduction to the Book of Mormon before our return and she has since been texting the elders asking them lots of questions about what she has been reading. She is way past where we thought she would be. She is reading but doesn’t understand. It will be hard if she is the one prepared for the gospel because she is only 15 and lives so far out of town and doesn’t have a driver’s license but maybe this is what it will take to get her mother to come back. They did cancel our <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1786564478" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Sunday</span></span></span> meeting because of father’s day but we are scheduled for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1786564479" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">tomorrow</span></span></span>. We believe in miracles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;">We have had some magnificent thunder and lightning storms the last few days. At <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1786564480" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">3:30</span></span></span> this morning the lightning seemed to strike right outside our bedroom window. We have had major tornado warnings but thankfully they have all passed us by. We seem to always be in another part of our area when the tornadoes are spotted in town. We saw pictures of a funnel cloud on our street but of course we were miles away. I guess all the prayers for the safety of the missionaries are really being fulfilled in our behalf. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;">I was feeling a little down one day wondering if we have really made any difference in this branch and was talking to the mother of the 4 young boys and she said we had made a huge difference for them because they had been able to go to the temple every month because we have been willing to tend their boys which they haven't been able to do for a long time. Not having any young women in our branch has limited them as to who they even knew to use for a babysitter. Others reassured me that the family history work we have been able to do has been a blessing for the branch so I guess we have been helping in some ways. Elder Fullmer did take a member who was less active for years to the temple a couple of weeks ago and did baptisms for the dead. He is trying to get ready for the temple in another few months so there has been some progress.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;">President Hardman called us in yesterday and asked me to unofficially be the Primary President. Many Sundays in the past year I have been filling in as the president had cancer and her daughter who is her caretaker were so often gone. Now they have moved to Utah so there really is no one else. Sydney is willing to do whatever I explain to her needs to be done but is still so new. We are working well together sharing responsibilities. We are thankful for being able to download the primary songs as our pianist only knows some of the songs and our boys really do love to sing. Sydney is learning right along with the boys and the primary lessons are just what she needs. It truly helps me as I prepare a lesson for a range of ages from 4 up to 20. She just soaks it all up like a sponge. I never thought I would spend as much time on a primary lesson as I used to spend on a Gospel Doctrine lesson.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;">We visited with a man who had his name taken off the records of the church probably 35 years ago. His wife is less active but we really enjoy their company. Elder Fullmer just ask him if he had ever thought about coming back to the church and he said that was the first time anyone had ever ask him. We spent the next 3 hours talking and discussing his questions. He said that science isn't answering his questions and he always thought religion wasn't. Sometimes it just takes being bold and asking. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;">The gospel is true so what else matters. Don't be afraid to ask someone what they know and if they would like to know more. </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.39px;"> Remember D&C 123:12 "who are kept from the truth because they know not where to find it."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.39px;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.39px;">Love Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.39px;">Mom and Dad</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.39px;">Imagine how hard it would have been to see this momma bird standing on our porch looking into the gravel. You couldn't see the baby birds until I cropped the picture and inlarged them.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid_Bga_Xt6b7SeAFNKcIkz9msm2Qy4X5RcL8Sd295q3seXTSHugAFNPrWaAfiERfa8xw1nTbMGXPUZ2h9DitbdFkroEp9zgqu7tSD7Waxgsbviloj6NnflxFYDNWXDRfGZuGkXJj0gw/s1600/20150531_172239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid_Bga_Xt6b7SeAFNKcIkz9msm2Qy4X5RcL8Sd295q3seXTSHugAFNPrWaAfiERfa8xw1nTbMGXPUZ2h9DitbdFkroEp9zgqu7tSD7Waxgsbviloj6NnflxFYDNWXDRfGZuGkXJj0gw/s320/20150531_172239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHPpHNbJpzEDPduQP90lH_PeIZlJNkByxPKs5kHpY78A4nIcIu3yCNeANCzkXIDVCViLU_PyI6Bw3m55fXdWVCqnOazwDggHSjLlrjBPIzIjR181PMaQXExbc6ik3e19d073e_GTcXQ/s1600/20150613_073231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHPpHNbJpzEDPduQP90lH_PeIZlJNkByxPKs5kHpY78A4nIcIu3yCNeANCzkXIDVCViLU_PyI6Bw3m55fXdWVCqnOazwDggHSjLlrjBPIzIjR181PMaQXExbc6ik3e19d073e_GTcXQ/s320/20150613_073231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.39px;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.39px;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-15945251675309609852015-06-03T18:39:00.000-07:002015-06-16T18:39:35.673-07:00June 3, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">June 3, 2015</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The days are flying so fast I have had a hard time finding a minute to write. We have kept very busy helping our friends pack up their house for the move, visiting and home teaching, appointments with the Elders, doing laundry on the fly as we run in and out, loading the dishwasher whenever we get a spare moment and generally eating whatever is quick and easy(usually fattening). Also two days of the flu, an ice cream social, a branch temple trip and plenty of primary planning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the highlights of the last two weeks was our meeting for the I-pad training. We went to Louisville for the ipad conference. We thought we wouldn’t be a part of the meeting but just take the Elders. On Monday I had read President Brough’s email and he said that Elder Zwick and Brother Hemingway were coming and to not try and get pictures taken with Elder Zwick as they would be on a time schedule. I knew cousin Mike Hemingway worked for the mission department so was pretty sure it would be him. When they all walked into the meeting sure enough it was Mike. We get to go through and shake hands with the visiting authority and anyone else with him as well as President and Sister Brough. When I got to Mike I shook hands and then said “Is that all I get”. When he realized it was me he gave me a big hug and told Elder Zwick I was his cousin. It was fun to see him and when he got up to talk he told of how surprised he was to see his cousin Trudy-or Sister Fullmer and how our Grandma Laws was probably getting a big kick out of it. I was able to visit with him during the break. I told him of my desires to serve some kind of family search mission and he told me to just get in touch with him when we get home and he would help us talk to all the right people and decide what we want to do next. I wanted to get a picture but didn’t have time then. At the end of the meeting President Brough asked that we all stay seated because they needed to get them all to the airport. I was afraid I wouldn’t get a picture but Mike came back and had us come out in the hall where he had Evan take a picture of the two of us, then President Brough took a picture of the three of us and then Mike had Elder Zwick get in the picture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That was the fun part of the conference but the best part was the spiritual experience of being there. The whole conference was about the use of the new I-pads and the trust that is being put into these young people to use them correctly. Mike read a quote from President Benson from 1974 saying the inventions coming that would help spread the gospel were beyond what we could imagine. Mike asked what we have now that we didn’t have in 1974 –besides all of them. These young people have grown up with so many things we never dreamed of and it is just a part of their lives. Who ever thought we would have so much information in something as small as a cell phone. Mike emphasized how these are for the spreading of the gospel and not just a social outlet. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder Zwick talked a little bit about his mission. His mission president was Richard G. Scott and at one point Elder Zwick went and helped build the first tiny chapel in Argentina where there is now a temple. His father had a construction company and he had worked there and knew about building. One of the quotes that he gave which I especially liked was “I can’t do perfect but I can do faithful or perfect obedience.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I wish I had been able to record all of the meeting as it was so powerful. There is no way to share the spirit that was there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We had decided to see about extending our mission for a couple of months as we want to go to Georgia to see our son John and his wife Audie before we come home. John said we didn’t really want to come to Georgia the end of August so we talked to our Mission President about extending. There are no senior couples coming to our mission in the near future and we are already down from 13 couples to 6 with the office couple leaving in August and another couple in September. We got a call from President Brough on Memorial Day and our extension was approved in Salt Lake so we are staying until October. He said “ So your release date will be <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_769597811" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">February 24 of 2016</span></span></span>”. We laughed and said no just until October. Our release date would be the 24<sup>th</sup> but I asked if we could leave the 22nd so we could make it to Georgia to see John and Audie on the weekend instead of having to waste a week as the 24<sup>th</sup> is a Saturday. He said as seniors we can leave anytime we want. So we get to stay with the people we have grown to love for an extra two months.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For our p-day this week our friends the Wilson’s took us Mammoth Caves. It is only 63 miles there but because of the winding roads it takes nearly two hours to get there. When we got there we would have had to wait for an hour and a half for the historic tour so just took the small tour which turned out to be a real disappointment. We just went down through the two main caverns, listened to the guide talk about his ancestors who didn’t come from Africa but from England as servants to a rich man, had him tell us that he couldn’t turn the lights off because another tour was coming through and then just turned them off for a brief moment and the we were done and went back to the beginning. It was very disappointing not to actually see anything but two big open caves which were impressive in their size but nothing to brag about. We wandered through the displays and learned some of the history. There are 440 miles of caves which have been discovered since 1837 and they just keep finding more. It would be nice to go back and spend more time on one of the other tours. After leaving the park and driving back a few miles for lunch we got turned around and the phones had no signal so we just drove until we found ourselves back at the caves. It was open enough there that we got signal and found the way to go. It took us a totally different route which included a ferry ride across the Green River. It was only about 5 or 6 car lengths across but still a new thing I had never done.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On Tuesday we spent 6 hours helping our friends pack up the truck for their move. I would feel worse about them moving except for the fact that they are moving to Utah so we will have the opportunity to visit them there. They are actually bringing the computer cabinet that was given to us by some other friends (when we moved them the second time) so we will have it when we get home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Today we left really early to make it to the temple again with our friends the Wilson’s. They wanted to go earlier than we usually go on our monthly trips so we could get some extra work done for her family. After leaving the temple we were planning on going to New Albany to see mansion row but decided on the spur of the moment to go to Joe’s Crab Shack for lunch. We looked at the prices when we got there and sort of wished we hadn’t but ended up with some really nice meals. It is right on the Ohio River and was a nice once in a lifetime experience. We then went to a New Albany and found the mansion row and after a wait went through the tour of the Culbertson Mansion. They are completely restoring the mansion and it is beautiful as mansions were in the early 1800’s. They have one room that shows just how the restoration is happening. They take all the paint off until they find the original ceiling, put a new ceiling up and paint it just as it was originally. The main floor is done and part of the rooms on the second floor but the third floor is pretty much as it was for so many years. It was a fun thing to see even though it meant lots of stairs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I am looking forward to my trip home next week. I get to come and spend 5 days with my daughters(and any sons I can) while Elder Fullmer continues the work here with the Elders and the service he does for so many. When we planned the trip it seemed so far in the future and now it is almost here. The weeks seem to only be about 4 days long.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the way to happiness. We are so grateful for the knowledge we have of our Savior’s atonement and the joy it brings as we apply it in our lives. Take time to feast on the words of the Book of Mormon and then share it with everyone you meet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have a great week. We love you all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom and Dad</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I will try and send pictures tomorrow. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-76739420004345018452015-05-18T18:40:00.000-07:002015-06-16T18:40:40.230-07:00May 18, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Our family search meeting last week was very successful. Evan went and set up the computer and got it working with the church system so I could show it on the screen. The meeting went really well and I was pleasantly surprised to have Tom S and Carol V come as they are two of our less actives. We had visited Tom last week and told him about it but didn’t expect to see him. Evan stayed to make sure things worked right which I was very grateful for. He sat next to Tom and helped him try and get things set up. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I told everyone about the connection I had found with John Solomon Fullmer and Noah Thomas Guymon that I mentioned in last weeds email and also of the reply our granddaughter Samantha had sent about what she had learned of Noah Thomas Guymon. She enjoys family history almost as much as I do I think. She is actually the family history consultant in her ward. Here is what she said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> “That's pretty cool, as soon as I read Noah Thomas Guymon I knew I had researched him, but I never knew that. I have found out however, my mom and dad are related at the 4th/5th generation (I think...). Louisa Rowley, Noah Thomas Guymon's wife, is the daughter of William and Ann Jewell Rowley. Wellllll on Grandma Joy's side is Samuel Rowley, Louisa's younger brother. Therefore on both sides of my family William and Ann Jewell are my great great great great grandparents. I had always known about Ann Jewell being on my Grandma Joy's side because of her amazing pioneer story, what I didn't know until I went through the "find your pioneer ancestors" thing on Family Search that she was also on your side. I thought that was pretty cool when I figured that out”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The members seem more comfortable with the program now which was the goal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We each spent last Wednesday going our separate ways. Evan went and worked with some members cutting wood and then stopped and did some weed eating at another member while I went with some of the sisters and did the Memorial Day thing-cleaning headstones and placing flowers. Because I think cemeteries are fascinating I had a really enjoyable day. I wish the headstones could tell the stories of the people buried there. I would love to hear of their joys and sorrows, their dreams and hopes. Silly I know. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The rest of the week has been pretty normal. We did more service, helped with family history, prepared lessons and made visits. Sometimes we look back and ask what we really did during the week but we manage to keep plenty busy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We are both so grateful for the opportunity to serve these people in this branch. Evan said that yesterday Bro. Hinkle who is moving and having a hard time with it asked Brother Skeen to give him a blessing. Brother Skeen is the one paralyzed from the neck down and it is very hard to understand him but Evan said the spirit was so strong you could really feel it. Our testimonies have grown so much watching these amazing people face their trials but carry on with such grace.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We love you all and pray that each of you will seek opportunities to serve those around you. We testify that this gospel is true and the only way to true happiness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Love to all</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-54358369503224241262015-05-12T18:42:00.000-07:002019-01-28T13:11:20.986-08:00May 12, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hello to all from beautiful Indiana</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The weather has now turned to the hot humid days with a teaser day with cool breezes thrown in. I love the sunshine but the heat just wears us out. I can’t imagine what it is like where our daughter Kellie is living in Africa where it is 110 degrees. They had the opportunity to go to Germany for a week and when I talked to their five year old and asked her what she liked most about the trip she said the hotel room with the air conditioning. It puts it into perspective when we go from our air conditioned house to our air conditioned car to someone else’s air conditioned home. We are so blessed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I spent a lot of the last week working on Family Search. I am teaching a class tonight and wanted to know all about the new changes so was going through each tab to learn what it did. I knew there would be a lot of information on John Solomon Fullmer because of his prominent role in the church so I went to his person page. I looked in the memories that have been put online and went through the pictures, documents and histories. I noticed the name of Noah Thomas Guymon on one of the histories and I knew that name was from my family history. I read the history and learned that Noah Thomas Guymon who is my great great grandfather and John Solomon Fullmer who is Evan’s great great grandfather were mission companions in England back in the early 1850’s. We have been married for almost 45 years and never knew we had this connection. It shows that even when you think all of your genealogy has been done there are still wonderful things you can learn about your family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have also been spending lots of time working on Primary trying to help our new presidency member. We spent some time working up a sharing time with the help of some wonderful things our daughter Kimberly sent. We only had the 3 Osborn boys to primary so it was a little different than planned but it worked well. We taught them the abcd’s of repentance or admit, be sorry, confess and change and don’t do it again. They wanted to come up with a word for each letter of the alphabet to do with repentance so we did. It meant we didn’t have time for singing time or a lesson but it was them really thinking about repentance. They came up with some good ideas of words to associate with each letter. This wouldn’t have been possible in a larger Primary so I guess there are a few tiny perks in having such a small group. Our little 4 year old had a hard time and ended up under his chair but was quiet doing it. We have a challenge of keeping him interested unless we are really active. Sydney(our new member) certainly has no hesitations when working with the kids. She is a natural teacher and loves sharing her testimony so much. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While I have been doing all this Evan has spent more time with the Elders or doing service with some of the members. We both keep busy but sometimes not together. I went and helped a family pack to get ready for their move while he was cutting wood which he so enjoys. That is the wonderful thing about an MLS mission. There are so many different aspects of what we can do to help. Everything is in some way helping the members of our branch or the investigators we are working with. This is also the way each of us should be helping in the hastening of the work. We can do service, fulfill our callings, do family history and attend the temple. Sometimes a service project which can involve a non-member or less active is just the thing for them to feel needed which we all need. Family search is a great tool. We have had several of our less actives say they are coming tonight to learn about family search which we hope happens. They have expressed an interest in learning more about their families and as I have started looking into their lines I have found that lots of temple work has been done by members of their family somewhere.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We love you all and encourage each of you to share your testimony not only by your actions but don’t be afraid to speak up and tell people. We know that the gospel is true and we are grateful for the opportunity to have a more active part in sharing it in our everyday life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yesterday for our preparation day we took the Elders and drove to Santa Claus. They both wanted to go see what was there so Elder Fullmer graciously took us even though he would have rather done something else with his day. We did manage to get him out of the car for one picture with Santa. The other pictures are Elder Stewart and Elder Gould.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Also we saw this creature out in the woods and after taking his picture from a distance, managed to get a picture with him. We do see amazing things in this country.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Unx03rP2EcCo6IVniNxQ7_qmF8nzxf21539MrwHkE4irseEQcgx26U8YE4IiWsGs7atmpbzFBmtseDMAu_0DxNejWY4X7bQ5LDd9tyhHIo1j9oe3MWfHzV_YWEnFEK5rOOk3XjLduw/s1600/20150507_191415%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Unx03rP2EcCo6IVniNxQ7_qmF8nzxf21539MrwHkE4irseEQcgx26U8YE4IiWsGs7atmpbzFBmtseDMAu_0DxNejWY4X7bQ5LDd9tyhHIo1j9oe3MWfHzV_YWEnFEK5rOOk3XjLduw/s320/20150507_191415%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTUTRsCcXEoRxY3dsuCDWKHu-d-sb_0C31LCTtnT9DsvDMKRCIj5qgb22FO6985ocQLCFV_0ielnLnaYF3i-uBabrpmuC2ykMZ6POdtQZindliEWIQy-k4Z6JLv1h6QLHQZ2kd1wTCA/s1600/20150507_191543%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTUTRsCcXEoRxY3dsuCDWKHu-d-sb_0C31LCTtnT9DsvDMKRCIj5qgb22FO6985ocQLCFV_0ielnLnaYF3i-uBabrpmuC2ykMZ6POdtQZindliEWIQy-k4Z6JLv1h6QLHQZ2kd1wTCA/s320/20150507_191543%255B2%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitw5-menkoKmBtzF2drpsqeWTsKbW56CONpnoWxV128hrpjP46xUbYkJERtsiWqErAXyho4oXcvQEwzdae3td6szTWUcdo83oPx83ZUzfxCx8HXSN9HHym7qLhalIlY01QyXSohE-_Cw/s1600/20150511_141421%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitw5-menkoKmBtzF2drpsqeWTsKbW56CONpnoWxV128hrpjP46xUbYkJERtsiWqErAXyho4oXcvQEwzdae3td6szTWUcdo83oPx83ZUzfxCx8HXSN9HHym7qLhalIlY01QyXSohE-_Cw/s320/20150511_141421%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBUJkGWiVdTNovbw0vJzNsrOcofU3b3IsFkKeVDUPXxX7WWExE6lQNVQUf-Vg75gpH7qaJxcmMHaN7wjFjbm_RYd4H08nkQl84FlxA3ALCC9bsQnI0YEsvQ5e-VBNMsj3Jlv9I8CStQ/s1600/20150511_150939%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBUJkGWiVdTNovbw0vJzNsrOcofU3b3IsFkKeVDUPXxX7WWExE6lQNVQUf-Vg75gpH7qaJxcmMHaN7wjFjbm_RYd4H08nkQl84FlxA3ALCC9bsQnI0YEsvQ5e-VBNMsj3Jlv9I8CStQ/s320/20150511_150939%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46ADX5Sa_WFBUCdTtiHtZGpQYL4DLFO8NXVehpz9gRJo4rwSyOuYPje4AnSFYg1iLEN_AZ2LVnPQh1sxRuYNSr4uyE0BYnQK5mElA4w0FrbNI56UVd0de4ZF95uyUFAxs-SBb4vmTZA/s1600/20150511_153001%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46ADX5Sa_WFBUCdTtiHtZGpQYL4DLFO8NXVehpz9gRJo4rwSyOuYPje4AnSFYg1iLEN_AZ2LVnPQh1sxRuYNSr4uyE0BYnQK5mElA4w0FrbNI56UVd0de4ZF95uyUFAxs-SBb4vmTZA/s320/20150511_153001%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-74151652781437971422015-05-04T18:47:00.000-07:002015-06-16T18:49:58.841-07:00May 4, 20015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It doesn’t seem as though there is much to write about this week. The time is flying by and we are making lots of visits, meeting new people, doing service for many people, teaching lessons and enjoying being with the Elders but it is all things I have written about before. We have had some unique opportunities to serve the family we moved the 40 miles away as they haven’t been to their new ward yet to meet anyone who would be closer to them who could help them out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The highlight of last week was really our visit with Gary and Wanda Yearsley. They are from our hometown and finished serving a mission in California in February. They had been in Texas visiting their daughters and were on their way to Indianapolis to visit with another daughter so we were on their way. It was such a good evening with them sharing mission experiences both positive and funny. They served as the office couple with Gary being in charge of apartments and cars-a job Elder Fullmer prays he never gets. Wanda served in the office paying all the bills and keeping the mission running. I am truly glad that we got an MLS mission and not an office mission. They had way more stress than we do and also never had time to take a nap when they needed it which we sometimes find we need to do. There are so many ways to help with the Hastening of the Work.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our newest convert Sydney got her first calling this past week and was sustained as 2<sup>nd</sup> counselor in the Primary on Sunday. When she was asked to stand and be sustained she put her hands on her hips and just beamed. She is so excited to have a calling and it made me think about how I react when I get a calling. I hope I can always be as excited to serve as she is. When Janine and Shay H(Primary President and 1<sup>st</sup> counselor) leave in less than a month she will be the only member of the primary presidency so has a lot to learn in the next little bit of time. The Sister who was called to be president turned down the calling so it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. I will spend as much time as possible helping Sydney learn the ropes so she will be prepared. She certainly isn’t afraid to speak out in primary and tell the boys how blessed they are to have this while they are young. She is already learning the primary songs and loving it. She also got called to be the chorister in Sacrament Meeting which means teaching her how to lead music but she is enthused about that as well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Today we had the fun of going on a 2 hour hike with the Elders, Sydney and another young man George, from the branch. We went to the Hemlock Cliffs and got to enjoy the beautiful rocks and valleys. We did more climbing than we probably should have and tonight I am really feeling it but it was fun while it lasted. I will probably be so stiff tomorrow I won’t be able to move but it was worth it. The hike was actually only just a little more than a mile but with all the extra climbing we did it made for lots more. No boring days with this bunch around.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Much love to everyone. Remember we each need to do our part in the Hastening of the work. Be a member missionary by word and deed. Let your light shine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1st picture Looking down the trail to the first stop on our hike. #2 Sister Fullmer having climbed up to the rocks--I think I can #3Elder Fullmer at a point in the stairs going back up the mountain. #4More stairs leading back up the trail. #5 Layered rock formation.</span></div>
<div class="yj6qo">
</div>
<div class="adL">
</div>
<div class="ii gt undefined" id=":307" style="display: none;">
<div class="a3s" id=":306" style="overflow: hidden;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="hq gt" id=":30v">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEyCvtrbTtz__lPU1nUH-posXBXxyEnec9KvlW7Mdqt32ZJ1FMvcaK_OmYR6Heqaba2hvCj6npNBMXfr8Idb3JpIRnn2dPGwE8TD9OauEaWeaQnwL723BJ_U_lktOpF5uuWUfS9ccvg/s1600/20150504_111435%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEyCvtrbTtz__lPU1nUH-posXBXxyEnec9KvlW7Mdqt32ZJ1FMvcaK_OmYR6Heqaba2hvCj6npNBMXfr8Idb3JpIRnn2dPGwE8TD9OauEaWeaQnwL723BJ_U_lktOpF5uuWUfS9ccvg/s320/20150504_111435%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MuZo6hbgOdamL6bASj0UoIddxMwkG0tXkmNR9FCVrWeN3sENvFV6Z4Uil9ZVSXO6dxNC6sXxOV8ErG0hoAuYHQAc-22_VK656llrpRMxXzwVEioLzHvOMBXMN_t9wjqdApIPv5A2HA/s1600/20150504_121322%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MuZo6hbgOdamL6bASj0UoIddxMwkG0tXkmNR9FCVrWeN3sENvFV6Z4Uil9ZVSXO6dxNC6sXxOV8ErG0hoAuYHQAc-22_VK656llrpRMxXzwVEioLzHvOMBXMN_t9wjqdApIPv5A2HA/s320/20150504_121322%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ondUnWvcTy6Mrv9qwGoe6ZSEr4Wljn-iu5AVNVLqvQlYsCu3__Ai6rtAQJ_JGpQm_rCgJXjtoVWfPLFFsnEjHoIObAZf3fyhCOrlJBQjrC7cET5M6eFlXI1yrnV0IyJGAQRZMdX0KQ/s1600/20150504_123015%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ondUnWvcTy6Mrv9qwGoe6ZSEr4Wljn-iu5AVNVLqvQlYsCu3__Ai6rtAQJ_JGpQm_rCgJXjtoVWfPLFFsnEjHoIObAZf3fyhCOrlJBQjrC7cET5M6eFlXI1yrnV0IyJGAQRZMdX0KQ/s320/20150504_123015%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT-iUGNoyDcC_y6wsedUK6vXgH1ThpWbu7AxKo882bhesdAdjgNP3hv10JQjAHLdBH8oEIWHZVl2auR8VFJqMvffuOwyHPtHcSkfhuNwIgQZqGYrQEVwHzZHQnqrfM9I4AX4LznnJwQ/s1600/20150504_123129%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT-iUGNoyDcC_y6wsedUK6vXgH1ThpWbu7AxKo882bhesdAdjgNP3hv10JQjAHLdBH8oEIWHZVl2auR8VFJqMvffuOwyHPtHcSkfhuNwIgQZqGYrQEVwHzZHQnqrfM9I4AX4LznnJwQ/s320/20150504_123129%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpmZR7cv4v0O0vyNlpTY-ts69G_PdAgCB6MiUgM9H7rlwKmzKNHPr9bSsWVsttA9CqC1xXLvEuW6CqAlyCUc7tbaDmjSylk06_viJXRCIqUoPxLXAe-AfvPnxTwVgg8X_K6Og5Xr_BQ/s1600/20150504_125013%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpmZR7cv4v0O0vyNlpTY-ts69G_PdAgCB6MiUgM9H7rlwKmzKNHPr9bSsWVsttA9CqC1xXLvEuW6CqAlyCUc7tbaDmjSylk06_viJXRCIqUoPxLXAe-AfvPnxTwVgg8X_K6Og5Xr_BQ/s320/20150504_125013%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="hp">
<span class="aVW"></span> </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-35108828415175789362015-04-21T09:48:00.002-07:002015-04-21T09:48:35.643-07:00April 20, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear one and all</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We thought spring had come to Indiana but that just means rain, rain and more rain. We were helping a couple move two weeks ago. They moved about 35 miles away so we made a number of trips there as it was just a matter of loading their truck and taking a load. One load we were about half way there in a town called Rockport when sirens were going off for a tornado warning. The elders got a call from Elder Moulton from the office saying there were tornado warning’s in Tell City so to get somewhere safe and to let us know. Because we were together we heard it all. The rain started to just pelt down and the wind was really bad. I though Laura would pull under the station awning and try and keep her furniture dry but she just headed out for Hatfield. The wind and rain were really bad for about 10 minutes and then cleared off. When we got back to Tell City we learned that a tornado had struck about 15 miles up the road in a different direction from where we were taking out a number of trees and picking up a shed and moving it without damaging the car or truck that were sitting inside of it. I must admit that I would like to see a small tornado just for the experience if it didn’t do any damage but just went through. Of course because we are in Indiana where the forests are so dense it would be hard for a tornado to set down without taking out a lot of trees. We helped that family move two different days then drove them home <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1949458643" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">on Sunday</span></span></span> because their truck broke down after church and then made two more trips on Monday to help them out. We were both pretty tired after that week and are finding that some days we just really need to have some time to rest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week we again spend part of two days helping another couple move. Luckily they only moved about 6 blocks and they had already moved a lot of stuff so we just helped with some of the furniture. They took us to lunch both days so that was a nice way of them saying thanks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With transfer meeting last week we at it made for another long trip and very early morning. We left at about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1949458645" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">5 a.m.</span></span></span> to be in Evansville by 6. We went there because Elder Riphenburg was transferred to Henderson and where it was an in zone transfer we just took him over there and met his new companion Elder Staley. We then took Elder Weyland and Elder Stewart to Louisville for transfer meeting which was 100 miles in the opposite direction. It poured rain the whole time they were switching out luggage and then all the way to Louisville. We got there by <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1949458646" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">9:30</span></span></span> Kentucky time so they had some time to visit with their friends. Our new Elder is Elder Gould. He has only been a member for 2 years and has been on his mission for 6 months. He is the only member of his family other than his step-mom and he has a step brother who actually served in this mission. We really like him already.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had FHE at our house again <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1949458647" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">tonight</span></span></span> because the family who were supposed to hold it this time is once again behind water covered roads. We had a really good turnout to FHE because Alex Gerard who served here when we first got here and his family were in town and everyone wanted to see him. I spent a good part of the day fixing food for a large crowd and it was all appreciated. I was glad it was still cool so that I could make soups which are easy for a large group. We had such a good time talking and laughing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we went to the temple <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1949458648" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">on Saturday</span></span></span> I had Family Ordinance Requests for seven different people to get temple cards printed. Some of them aren’t even active but are interested in getting work done for their family members. It has been such a good experience to help people do their work. I just begin to feel that I understand all of Family Search and then they make some changes and I have to learn some new things. I have called the Family Search missionaries several times but now know how to do things and can teach the sisters when we have our next class. They all got excited about 5 years ago when a senior couple was helping them but didn’t learn the program well enough to continue on their own so I really want them all to feel comfortable using Family Search before we come home so they will continue after we are gone. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We love you all and promise you that as you help the missionary work in your area you will be blessed. Every Senior Couple we have talked to (and we feel the same way) say they are going to be better member missionaries when they get home now that they see how important members are to the missionary work. The full time missionaries can’t do it all alone nor should they have to. We each need to do our part. Hastening the work takes all of us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder and Sister Fullmer</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-38770733175238793602015-04-06T06:44:00.000-07:002015-04-20T06:44:36.875-07:00April 6, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This email goes specifically to Levi, Erika, Brett, Derek, Justin, Nathan, Hyrum, Maya, Emma, Joseph, Jesse, Becky, Aaron, Samantha, Amberlee, Matt, Max, Zane, Nephi, George, Sarah, Hannah, Brendan, Jeremy, Andie, Hailey, Madelyn, Landon, Andrew, Brayden, Kylee, Korben, Logan and Brooklyn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We have learned through the grapevine that our emails aren’t very interesting to some of you so I thought I would try and make this one especially for you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We live in Indiana now. Some days like last Friday night the rain comes down so hard you can hardly see across the street and the lightening is so loud it wakes you up from a deep sleep. We have sirens go off to warn us of flash flood. We live right on the Ohio River which has so much water in it that especially this year has been flooding a lot. The water was so high for a while that some of the roads were closed. We have now had so much rain that the river is rising again and the parks down by the river are under water again. We have very large bridges around us crossing the Ohio River going from Indiana to Kentucky. The Ohio River is the border between Indiana and Kentucky.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There are fun places here like the town called Santa Claus where every store has a Santa in front of it and the amusement park with all the rides is decorated in red and green. They have an awesome Santa’s Candy Castle and the Santa riding stables and a lake with Santa cottages around it. The Santa Store has every kind of ornament, nativity, nut cracker and music box you can imagine. It is like having Christmas all year round. The town was named in 1856 and has the only post office in the world that has the name. If you mail a letter there at Christmas time you will receive a reply from Santa Claus Indiana.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Indiana has the Abraham Lincoln childhood home where you can learn all about Abraham Lincoln. There are lots of trails to hike, camping and fishing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There is the baseball museum we want to go to one day when we have the time. We can get small bats made there. There are many deep underground caves to go through and see the stalactites and stalagmites. Kentucky and Indiana are really beautiful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa and Grandma spend their days trying to encourage people who have lost the desire to come to church to find their way back. So many people have had their feelings hurt in some way that they think they don’t want to be a part of the church. It is sad to see that they have lost their way and have let something keep them from feeling the joy of the gospel. We also do lots of service. We have helped several people move, some more than once. Grandma makes lots of bread and goodies to take to people. No one shuts the door in your face when you are carrying goodies. People always love treats but they especially love the feeling that someone cares about them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">You can stop reading to the younger ones here. The rest is for those grandchildren who are ages 18 down to 12. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A mission is hard. Sometimes you are tired, sometimes you don’t want to work and sometimes you get discouraged trying to find people. Sometimes you just want to yell at people and say “Don’t you get it? The truth will make you so happy.” Sometimes you don’t want to study your scriptures but just watch tv or go to a movie. Sometimes you are homesick and miss your family and friends(especially your grandkids). Things just seemed easier at home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">BUT.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> A mission is also the most, best wonderful thing you can do. When you see someone really change who they were and become someone who loves the Lord and will give up whatever they have to so they can be baptized, all the hard, boring, giving up of things is worth it. To see someone who didn’t even believe in a Heavenly Father or a Savior become someone who understands the love that They both have for them and want to please them is the best feeling in the world. Better than being with family and friends, better than any tv show or movie, better than having all the time to do just what you want, better than anything else in the world. We have learned so much about just loving people as we have been here. We can all be missionaries by the example we set and how we treat other people but there is nothing quite like actually sitting down with someone and helping them understand about the gospel and how it can change their lives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We especially want to encourage Levi, Derek, Nephi, Justin, Maya, Emma, Joseph, Jesse, Brendan, Jeremy, Samantha and Amberlee to set a goal to serve a mission. As each of you draws closer to the age to serve a mission, think of all that you have been blessed with because of what the Lord has given you and know that you can make a difference in the lives of others. We believe that we each promised someone before this life that we would find them and help them find the blessings of the gospel no matter how stubborn they were. There are people out there who will be touched by you that no one else can reach. Don’t think that you are giving up two years of your life to serve a mission but instead are trying to repay a tiny part of what the Lord has blessed you with. The growth you see in yourself will bless your life for the rest of your life. We have seen the growth in the missionaries we have served with. Some of them came out because their parents wanted them to but have learned how great it is to serve as they have seen people change. Some have come out being the only member of their family or from homes where the rest of the family is less active but they have felt the spirit and want to share it with everyone and they make super missionaries.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We know that you will never regret serving a mission but you will regret not serving at some point in your life. Simply because of how a mission strengthens your testimony and your knowledge of the scriptures and of the love your Heavenly Father has for you it will bless the rest of your life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">For all those friends and family who also received this email, the information is for all of you as well. We should ALL consider a mission to be one of life’s top priorities. NO REGRETS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Love to all</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa and Grandma</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-17243044098505998252015-03-30T06:47:00.000-07:002015-04-20T06:48:07.300-07:00March 30, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We had some excitement last week which I thought I would share. I woke up at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_104742868" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">6:30</span></span></span> on Tuesday so decided to get up and call Kellie our daughter who lives in Africa. We had talked just about a half hour when the smoke alarm went off. Evan checked it and got it to go off. We thought it was probably just the battery but then he felt the ceiling by the smoke alarm and it was hot so we decided I had better get dressed and he called 911. I hurried and picked up a few thing while he talked to the 911 operator and put them in the car just to be on the safe side. We soon had two fire trucks and three police cars outside our house. They did all kinds of checking but found that it was the fan to the furnace. The furnace was coming on but the fan wasn’t blowing so all the heat was just going into the ceiling. They used a really neat hand held gadget which told them how hot the ceiling was and showed if there were any flames. They also climbed into the attic to make sure all was well. We tried and tried to get our landlady awake to let her know what was going on but couldn’t get her to answer. I called Kellie back after all was back to normal to let her know things were okay. Kellie told me that I had forgotten the first rule of a fire which is to get out first. She said that they have really learned through all their moves that you can easily live without things that at first you thought were special or important. I have realized that after being here for 13 months and not having really missed anything from home. This all did make me realize though that I need to back up my journal because it can’t be replaced and I have done nearly 200 pages of journal since we got here. I can easily grab my purse with a thumb drive in it with my journal. I suppose my smarter than me kids could tell me how to put it in that cloud thingy and it would be safe but until then I will just keep it updated on a thumb drive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The whole week last week was just one busy day after another. I spent one day cemetery hopping with some of the sisters. They are all related and we were able to find some of the headstones of their ancestors. We went to 5 different cemeteries and located several headstones they didn’t know about from their family. It was exciting to find the one headstone for Anna Spicer who was a great aunt to Eva Mae. We had learned through some research that she had been married to Eva Mae’s grandfather but had only lived a year after they were married and then died along with a baby girl. The headstone only said Anna Spicer Cunningham so I wanted proof that she was actually married to John Milton before we entered it into family search. Later in the week I was doing family history with one of the ladies and we found the proof that Anna Spicer was married to John Milton Cunningham which was so exciting and we got her name and information entered into family search. This was a great aunt that Eva Mae knew nothing about. Can I just say again that I love doing genealogy and the results of doing it?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">While I was enjoying cemeteries, Elder Fullmer was spending the day with a member and the Elders cutting wood. It was Evan’s birthday so the reward for the help was that the member took us all out to dinner. I think after the 6 mile hike the Elders took him on Monday and then a full day of cutting wood he was pretty worn out. The Elders are always teasing Elder Fullmer about how old he is and then they brought him a birthday card and gift. The card says on the outside “It wasn’t easy but I finally found someone who can alter your birth certificate”. On the inside it shows a caveman with his chisel and mallet and it makes a sound like he is changing the date. They also gave him a big collage of pictures they have taken during the last week of things we have done. It is now hanging in a prominent place on our wall. We sure do love these Elders.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The rest of the week was just as busy with more service, more genealogy, visiting teaching, interviews with the mission president, dinner appointments (we had one for every night last week) and our branch social. This week has already begun the same. Elder Fullmer made a trip this morning to Louisville with Brother Wilson to give a blessing to one of the triplets born to his niece. These babies were born clear back the end of January and are slowly gaining but this tiny one still weighs less than 3 pounds and needed an extra boost. Considering that none of the family are active it is interesting that when things aren’t going quite right they want a blessing. This is not the first time that someone from this family has asked for a blessing when things are really rough. The spark of a testimony must still be in them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s all for this week without going into way more detail than I want to because I am more than ready for bed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember to share the gospel every chance you get-even if it doesn’t seem a convenient time or place. Don’t be complacent about sharing the truth. We both know of the truthfulness of the gospel and are so blessed to be out here to help in the work.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Love Elder and Sister Fullmer</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNO56DfVaUduBkuBtvl9-dJubHfkC0DiniMxVYuV-Txh5jx96XB-O9JZdwfaSSWed-A5bCbvs3fDffWDO1VFso0R-wOxX4_4bJavbDOrCXA9ZSWpPLwbGO4vQaFYg40M3edH6_WtzcVA/s1600/20150324_072933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNO56DfVaUduBkuBtvl9-dJubHfkC0DiniMxVYuV-Txh5jx96XB-O9JZdwfaSSWed-A5bCbvs3fDffWDO1VFso0R-wOxX4_4bJavbDOrCXA9ZSWpPLwbGO4vQaFYg40M3edH6_WtzcVA/s1600/20150324_072933.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh029FqoEihewn4hC74q4b-QXHxo-VHIrdHPyV4mVQL9AOxZTwpTogDhOj2R-vKOAdv2DD6J6SmxFCCvUm_5KumwkjULfdBlkajn6rRdlaw2sJTIHg9omEU4LqAEPeXURaFO8o0MsKyOQ/s1600/20150324_073218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh029FqoEihewn4hC74q4b-QXHxo-VHIrdHPyV4mVQL9AOxZTwpTogDhOj2R-vKOAdv2DD6J6SmxFCCvUm_5KumwkjULfdBlkajn6rRdlaw2sJTIHg9omEU4LqAEPeXURaFO8o0MsKyOQ/s1600/20150324_073218.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-22490642441207204662015-03-23T06:49:00.000-07:002015-04-20T06:56:55.022-07:00March 23, 2015<div class="a3s" id=":w8" style="overflow: hidden;">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dear one and all</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Our warm weather is now very sporadic with a really nice day and then a cold day again. The water has receded so the warm days are helping everything dry out. Our friends are now able to drive the roads again to get out to church and us to get to see them. I took pictures just 5 days later than the ones I sent last week and you can see how the water has gone down. Elder Fullmer is just dying seeing all that drift wood that could be hauled off for firewood and no way to do it and no one interested. It will be interesting to see how they clean all of it up. Friends say that they plow the mud off the roads with the snowplows because it is about 8 inches deep. Someone has a very big clean-up job. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I have spent many hours helping different families with their family history again this week. The spirit seems to be really catching on with some of the people. I have a day scheduled this week to help another lady whose husband is not a member but he is bugging her about getting his genealogy done. I am so glad to oblige because I so love doing it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We went out to Bristow to see some of the less actives but no one was home. As we drove to see one family we haven’t seen in a long time because of the weather we passed a cemetery on a hill which Evan pointed out to me so we turned back and wandered through the cemetery. I love old cemeteries and it is so fun here to see just how far back the dates go. There was a whole row of headstones of children from the same family. I took lots of pictures so I could check to see if the temple work has been done because a lot of the names were of the families I have been helping with their history. After talking to another less active we drove to the Beard Cemetery which we had heard about. There is one headstone that is actually an old steam engine. It would be interesting to know why the family did that. We found lots of the Sketo family and lots of Beards. Elder Riphenburg’s mother’s maiden name was Beard which is interesting. He is going to ask her to check and see if she can connect to Indiana and the Beards here.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After we got home I looked at the genealogy of the names from all the headstones which I had taken pictures of and found that nearly all of the temple work has been done. It is so fascinating to see how much work has been done for the people here but how few members there are in this area. It is also interesting to see how much intermarrying there was. Possibly because they were so far out that they only met the families close to them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This week has started out to be very busy and the whole week is tightly scheduled. We have dinner appointments every night this week which is always nice. Every day is filled with things that for sure won’t fall through which is always such a blessing. We have interviews with our Mission President this week which is a highlight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Another month has flown by and we are beginning to dread the end coming. How can we leave these people we have grown to love so much. We just plan on making the most of every day so the memories are all good.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As we were taught in Stake Conference last weekend—Open your mouth and share what we have. People want what we have but just don’t know where to find it. We need to help everyone find the joy we have from knowing of our Savior and His Atonement. So my challenge this week (We get a commitment each week in district meeting) is to open your mouths and share.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We love you all</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The first picture is the steam engine headstone. #2 shows how far the water has dropped in five days and the wood that Elder Fullmer would like to haul. #3 shows the picnic tables which were nearly under water last week.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMU_P7_P7nHH8XCcJ0J3GiRRuAJDOYZn34hnyDp9OUoOXDXFIGXGxP7KRIKE3itg6eLBfuuFe0jkgNsSaBYTqqmQvTHM-IUgu2_R2HfkqWe0SKchRFHmkLOOxfzkFZEWMv8hc7Jfwwg/s1600/20150321_181553%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMU_P7_P7nHH8XCcJ0J3GiRRuAJDOYZn34hnyDp9OUoOXDXFIGXGxP7KRIKE3itg6eLBfuuFe0jkgNsSaBYTqqmQvTHM-IUgu2_R2HfkqWe0SKchRFHmkLOOxfzkFZEWMv8hc7Jfwwg/s1600/20150321_181553%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaGVC1mqQgKy8P0Ectjlx7lx28JtucWyDjA-i1Y3jAWI9qw-9dy29g3TJXmPmqGSBh_aCwsEtrW6tiuRlXq71qQn6Xfa8ev3eVgncnFrTJGuD4-tGbDVXGpQuQWN_w5qq4ybHKygD8Q/s1600/20150321_163207%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaGVC1mqQgKy8P0Ectjlx7lx28JtucWyDjA-i1Y3jAWI9qw-9dy29g3TJXmPmqGSBh_aCwsEtrW6tiuRlXq71qQn6Xfa8ev3eVgncnFrTJGuD4-tGbDVXGpQuQWN_w5qq4ybHKygD8Q/s1600/20150321_163207%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="yj6qo">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnYT294MLOTuJMurrHn3p83YETNHu7YsrhplNLKMP6eny0X2xCS3FcoxLpOs-898qHIPUUxk7HD8V3iDKE66ez3atiFsXaB3_joLgFrFFMMe4pIo-O2OuKqi_rREYBby4NRwZL14uvQ/s1600/20150321_163100%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnYT294MLOTuJMurrHn3p83YETNHu7YsrhplNLKMP6eny0X2xCS3FcoxLpOs-898qHIPUUxk7HD8V3iDKE66ez3atiFsXaB3_joLgFrFFMMe4pIo-O2OuKqi_rREYBby4NRwZL14uvQ/s1600/20150321_163100%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="adL">
</div>
</div>
<div class="ii gt undefined" id=":r3" style="display: none;">
<div class="a3s" id=":r2" style="overflow: hidden;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="hq gt" id=":se">
<div class="hp">
</div>
<div class="ho" id=":wv">
<span class="aVW"><span id=":t4"></span></span> </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-69970380833561799502015-03-16T05:44:00.000-07:002015-03-17T05:44:32.356-07:00March 16,2015<div class="a3s" id=":r0" style="overflow: hidden;">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Spring has come to Indiana or maybe it is summer already. We went from 12 inches of snow on the 6 of March to not even needing a jacket on the 12<sup>th</sup> of March. It has been very nice since then and we love it. We momentarily we think of what August might be like because we are starting this beautiful weather so early in the year but we won’t let it stop us from enjoying the now. However because of the warm weather we are having some major flooding. As we have gone to Evansville for three days in a row (Zone Meeting, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1293227999" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Saturday</span></span></span> night stake meeting and Stake Conference) we have watched the water continue to rise. I wish I had taken a picture of one barnyard where the cows are standing around a feeder and each day their area has gotten smaller because of the water. I have taken many pictures of the water but only posted the five. It shows though how much the water has risen. Our one member family who had originally moved into town decided to go home after making arrangements with the Girl Scout camp director to go through the campground and over the hill. It means that Greg rides the 4-wheeler about a mile, walks across the smaller area on 2x10’s and then has his car parked there (he left it there before the water got up on the road on the one part) and then drives around the Girl Scout campground which takes him up a long hill but makes it possible for them to stay home. It does mean that we haven’t been able to see them for nearly 3 weeks. The water is supposed to recede by this weekend but we shall see. The river is moving so swiftly and there is so much debris in it that it looks to me like it could take longer. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Because of all the water we haven’t been able to visit others of our less actives. They live up or down dirt roads which are pretty impassable because of the mud. We hope to be able to get back in to see them in the next week or so. They always welcome us in but have warned us that now isn’t a good time to try and get to their places. Most of them park quite a ways from their houses and walk in. I am sure that Idaho would love to have some of this problem right now. My friend sent an email saying that the farmers are already getting into their fields in Idaho which doesn’t bode well for the summer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I was able to hopefully clear up some family history problems in the branch this week. After talking to one of the Family History missionaries I knew how to send the information to Salt Lake to release some names and to record some that we had proof that the ordinance had been done. We are going to start having a night every other month (or more if there is the interest) getting together at the church and working on family history. As the members become more comfortable with the programs they will be better able to find things on their own and not need to rely on someone else helping them. It is the old adage of give a man a fish and feed him for a day but teach him how to fish and he can eat for a lifetime. I can and would love to do the work for them but I will only be here a short time and then they are back to their own devices. We have also found two of the less actives who are interested in their family history and this might be the road to their coming back.<br /> We love you all and pray you are all helping the missionaries in some way or are talking to your friends (Opening your mouths-the theme of our conference) or doing family history or temple work which all is part of the hastening of the work. We each are important to the work. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Love </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Picture #1 Part of the road stopping us from seeing our friends #2 Notice the pavilion behind Elder Fullmer #3 The far tree line is the edge of the Ohio river so you can see how far the water is out. #4 Our park behind the flood wall. See the top of the picnic table. #5 The flood gate was put in and you can see a little water on this side.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="yj6qo">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6-4HyAqA4itTpiN50NjgdPajsyqHpwehGhk_T_yc55wMOhY4yfpcVfF3GIqXio2Oc32jXd54k18iRGfi1hIQijoYf1jESxlUKiCphvKwEIFDJAIxLQxjOjeRBgktQiY9vhV1K8UyRw/s1600/20150311_181429%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6-4HyAqA4itTpiN50NjgdPajsyqHpwehGhk_T_yc55wMOhY4yfpcVfF3GIqXio2Oc32jXd54k18iRGfi1hIQijoYf1jESxlUKiCphvKwEIFDJAIxLQxjOjeRBgktQiY9vhV1K8UyRw/s1600/20150311_181429%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RAa4bdd9PGhaCvs1pyxUgsMvAp7l-QOaC70bH7Gbh1cuQQMtNHp-jBDPiWFAKV-3RI-lTlH0byMZ8dgK8IINbcleJzgQuQByHKhrtZoWPYOYfVFsqg1PQPvAyE7uRtplvZxFv1AbCw/s1600/20150315_125745%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RAa4bdd9PGhaCvs1pyxUgsMvAp7l-QOaC70bH7Gbh1cuQQMtNHp-jBDPiWFAKV-3RI-lTlH0byMZ8dgK8IINbcleJzgQuQByHKhrtZoWPYOYfVFsqg1PQPvAyE7uRtplvZxFv1AbCw/s1600/20150315_125745%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZuy9nkjGWuCvy_bL4CLLDUy0q32KPz2wFSul6KsmBFP0o6TAObwc35RYtJWJG6yraTLChomFBQ12uISsiyc9htVbog-ZBPPPjSKKM14Iu7YF_aEx-L7INjzGH-R95w9buZbhBXosSA/s1600/20150315_132633%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZuy9nkjGWuCvy_bL4CLLDUy0q32KPz2wFSul6KsmBFP0o6TAObwc35RYtJWJG6yraTLChomFBQ12uISsiyc9htVbog-ZBPPPjSKKM14Iu7YF_aEx-L7INjzGH-R95w9buZbhBXosSA/s1600/20150315_132633%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9r_tSJkohiP5TbpgPFJE4XUDFJN6wqqrrySl6g28W_eOcbnXpQj2cXyvomq0eOqvsykXBt2n5wglrBrDnaz884gvD243IBq-LOrFbCOzdz4-ZGSKviRvUJy4HmylP6Ccn5oDGOYNaTQ/s1600/20150316_152325%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9r_tSJkohiP5TbpgPFJE4XUDFJN6wqqrrySl6g28W_eOcbnXpQj2cXyvomq0eOqvsykXBt2n5wglrBrDnaz884gvD243IBq-LOrFbCOzdz4-ZGSKviRvUJy4HmylP6Ccn5oDGOYNaTQ/s1600/20150316_152325%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb53QB6nKFnPyA3ZzhcCUYhYZLeT_IKE_EgjfxP3SzybnzWWs626pJ6ng-QG1xZVziZvsiPvQ0fK9QH09AjCbyOA2mjiZ0EysdJ1Z4VVVQfUHwCFw0q8PgXkVV5xEOnWRIH94mGa41aQ/s1600/20150316_154459%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb53QB6nKFnPyA3ZzhcCUYhYZLeT_IKE_EgjfxP3SzybnzWWs626pJ6ng-QG1xZVziZvsiPvQ0fK9QH09AjCbyOA2mjiZ0EysdJ1Z4VVVQfUHwCFw0q8PgXkVV5xEOnWRIH94mGa41aQ/s1600/20150316_154459%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="adL">
</div>
</div>
<div class="ii gt undefined" id=":tq" style="display: none;">
<div class="a3s" id=":tr" style="overflow: hidden;">
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-87277166824130179832015-03-09T05:39:00.000-07:002015-03-17T05:40:01.162-07:00March 9, 2015The weeks continue to fly by as we try to make a difference in this branch. Last week we were able to again go to transfer meeting. We haven't missed one yet since we have been here. It is always so fun to get to see the new greenies come in and the enthusiasm they have. It is also so great to get to see missionaries who have been transferred from our zone that we have come to love. After a very long day with our 300 mile round trip we got home in time to make a couple of visits.<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
We once again had a snow day where we were all instructed to stay home and not be on the roads. We got about 12 inches of new snow which totally shuts down the city. One inch actually shuts down the city so you can imagine what 12 inches did. I thought of the saying that neither rain nor snow nor sleet of night can keep the postal service from running or however the saying goes but in Indiana 12 inches certainly shuts down the service on some roads. We didn't get our usual newspaper on Thursday. Our road finally got plowed out later Thursday afternoon but they mostly just push the snow into the driveways making a couple of passes down the street. Evan had spent a good part of the day shoveling our driveway and the landlady's drive (with the help of a young couple from across the street) and the snow plow just pushed the snow back into our drive. It meant that we had plenty of down time to work on our lessons for Sunday. It is so interesting and challenging to plan a primary lesson for our primary of boys from ages 3-12. Our one young man hasn't been baptized yet and with no other young men in the branch he feels more comfortable coming with his brother to primary so we just keep him.</div>
<div>
<br />We were again able to babysit for the Osborn's while they went to the temple. I must say that it can be quite a challenge to have 4 boys for 9 hours and not really just want to go back home where it is quiet. When we got home I got a text from our sweet sister wanting to know if it would be too much trouble to make her more whole wheat bread and take it to them on Sunday. She is the one dying of cancer and the bread is something she really enjoys and can actually keep down. Evan took the Elders and went visiting while I made bread. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Our new convert Sydney got her recommend on Sunday to do baptisms and also to get her patriarchal blessing. While she was here for Family Home Evening we planned our trip for a week from Friday. It is so awesome to see her enthusiasm for the gospel and to feel of her spirit. We fix dinner on Sundays for the Elders and have started having Sydney and another member come over as well and then we have a spiritual thought or scripture. Every time Sydney pulls out her favorite scripture from her reading. She is in Alma from when she first started reading the Book of Mormon two months ago and loves the scriptures. She also pulls things out of the lessons from Sunday and talks about what she has learned. She is just like a sponge.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
With all of the melting snow the river has passed flood stage and some of the roads are covered in water which keeps some of our members from town. One of the families has moved into town with other family members so they can continue to work. We don't want to wish anyone back luck for too much flooding but it would be really cool to see them put the flood gates in at the flood wall. Only someone who has never had to deal with the water problem would want that and that is this Idaho girl. The water is supposed to crest by Wednesday and then start receding.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
That's about all for this week. The gospel is true so what else matters.</div>
<div>
<br />Love</div>
<div>
Elder and Sister Fullmer</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-36590324468114434542015-03-02T09:25:00.000-08:002015-03-07T09:26:02.147-08:00March 2, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This has been a week of tender mercies and trials. Our poor Elders called on Tuesday and said they had bedbugs. We started doing all their laundry which took a couple of days and they slept on our couches for 4 nights waiting for mattress covers and the exterminators. They were finally able to go back to their apartment <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_720368622" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">on Saturday</span></span></span> after I picked things up for them at the mission office after a temple trip. They had to do major cleaning which probably wasn’t a bad thing as long as Elders have lived in that apartment. It wasn’t a catastrophic trial but more of a nuisance for them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Friday was our District meeting which we did the training for. It was a little intimidating at first to think of teaching these so well prepared missionaries but there is a lot to be said for experience. After meeting we all went over to the river side park to take district pictures. We take pictures the last District Meeting before every transfer. We then went to the New China Buffet because I really wanted Chinese food. We had to go that way to try the Walmart for mattress covers anyway. As we went in a man stopped the Elders and said he was a member of the Owensboro branch and wanted to know about them. He later came over and said he was paying for all of our lunch. What a tender mercy. If we had stayed longer to take pictures, or gone to Walmart first we would have missed him. I don’t believe in coincidences but just mercies. Then <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_720368623" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">on Saturday</span></span></span> when two of the sisters and I went to the temple we had another tender mercy which didn’t seem like it at first. We missed the Cincinnati exit because we were talking and had to go down to Story and turn around which turned out to be another tender mercy. We saw that Grinstead Drive was the next exit from Story so knew where we needed to go after the temple to get to the mission office. We back tracked to 3<sup>rd</sup> Avenue and headed back the way we needed to go and took the Cincinnati exit and made it to the temple in time. As I thought about it I figured it would be faster and shorter to take 3<sup>rd</sup> Ave and go back to Grinstead drive than to follow the directions on mapquest because they were taking us clear down to the Shelbyville road and then back tracking up to Grinstead which would have been a lot longer. We did that and it made it very fast. After we left the mission office we went the normal way to come home but the St Louis exit is now closed and we missed the way we were supposed to go and ended up taking Story again and turning around which turned out to be the best way. Shae Hinkle said they had taken the right detour according to the signs after leaving the hospital this last time and it took them on a way out of the way route and since then they take Story and back track. That is nice to know as we are going to transfer meeting on Tuesday so will just go back out Eastern Parkway and Grinstead Drive and miss the construction. It sure didn’t seem like a tender mercy at first but sure turned out to be.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our new convert is just on fire. She called all excited because she had talked to a man while she was at work and told him about the gospel. She set up an appointment with him for Friday to meet with the Elders. She is so excited about the gospel. He wasn’t there when they went for the first appointment but they were able to meet him yesterday and he committed to read the Book of Mormon. We all went to a part member family after that and she told them how she is the newest member and wants to be a missionary so badly. Who knows just who she will touch?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I did some family history for a less active we have been visiting and when we took it to him last Saturday he got so excited. This just might be the key to his becoming active once again. He is the only member in his family so has a great responsibility. He wants to get on the computer and start finding people on his own so I will probably spend some time teaching him the basics next time we meet. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hastening the work comes in many different ways. Converting new members, reactivating those who have fallen away, doing the work for our dead and also serving in our community or schools or wherever we can to show our love for all of God’s children are all parts of the hastening. I know we each can make a difference in even little ways. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We love all of you and thank you for your continued support.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> The pictures at the end are our District pictures which Hermana Bennett draws for us before each transfer. we look forward to seeing what she comes up with each time. Because she didn't get transferred this time we will get at least one more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzGCglkbtGK8Wa2TtbSFLt1mS6G5SpCX45cnM-xB7O6CX41qIsRrUDkTXJ7VOPrcx63wPqtgWXS2bqhMX5SWpsekR3kye52R7UQk4GIsgAxKlZA99BtOaK1hzS5ySARYK2T122FIIPA/s1600/20150302_144807%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzGCglkbtGK8Wa2TtbSFLt1mS6G5SpCX45cnM-xB7O6CX41qIsRrUDkTXJ7VOPrcx63wPqtgWXS2bqhMX5SWpsekR3kye52R7UQk4GIsgAxKlZA99BtOaK1hzS5ySARYK2T122FIIPA/s1600/20150302_144807%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbM5BtPdjqY8tOku1o7lb0ijkZwDzl0mUR6rd7QPtWDKBKSntpsl3AgclDKYge1biBDS78AY2OhAIikKe1UDvEdoFk4xvanW_0WCqTolwEExsuEq1qSOBsMirDCf0FdQLdmEg7LTYEA/s1600/20150302_144839%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbM5BtPdjqY8tOku1o7lb0ijkZwDzl0mUR6rd7QPtWDKBKSntpsl3AgclDKYge1biBDS78AY2OhAIikKe1UDvEdoFk4xvanW_0WCqTolwEExsuEq1qSOBsMirDCf0FdQLdmEg7LTYEA/s1600/20150302_144839%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIW88ngd8_DxUUdwcWVfRKzWrVai-h_Tr6qvY7yCgVV5QXJnLf5aNEfRepVQ7LBzCVELVeSKHQAmBTNovDLw_Zfh5MVfw0Qnxp02RTCJ6s5Wr46E16QJAK5VXcnNRktDpRwHc_KM4vA/s1600/20150302_144858%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIW88ngd8_DxUUdwcWVfRKzWrVai-h_Tr6qvY7yCgVV5QXJnLf5aNEfRepVQ7LBzCVELVeSKHQAmBTNovDLw_Zfh5MVfw0Qnxp02RTCJ6s5Wr46E16QJAK5VXcnNRktDpRwHc_KM4vA/s1600/20150302_144858%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-81272070194169337812015-02-23T09:21:00.000-08:002015-03-07T09:21:48.069-08:00February 23, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Believe it or not we hit our year mark tomorrow. It doesn’t seem possible but it is true. We are so thankful we didn’t decide to just serve for a year. There is still so much we want to try and accomplish. We haven’t given up on any of the less actives we have been working with.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the men we have been working with for several months who had been excommunicated but was trying to come back passed away suddenly on Saturday. We were really hoping that his family would mend their fences and come together to make the decisions of what to do but it has just become another battle with no winner. It is so sad to see a family so torn apart over the wrongs they felt were done to them by the other members of the family. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Our district is facing a major upheaval. Three of our missionaries finish their missions next week and one area is being shut down because of the drop in number of missionaries. We also learned that our mission is losing 13 cars because of the falling numbers. We know it is because of the evening out since the age change but just losing one set of missionaries makes our district seem so small. We are anxious to meet our new missionaries though and new blood is always good for any area. I am continually amazed at the caliber of missionaries we have in our zone. They truly love the Lord and serving Him. I am stressed for this week’s district meeting as we have been asked to do the training on how we can lead our less actives to the temple( our mission vision is “Leading God’s children to the temple). We are also to teach on how to get the members to be a part of it all. We can do everything in our power but if the people don’t feel the love from the branch members we don’t know how successful we will be. We continually try to include the branch members in our visits and sometimes are successful. I have learned just how essential we as active members are to the missionary work. It is just as important to help those who have fallen away to remember the spirit they felt when they first gained their testimony as it is to teach new investigators. I don’t know about all missions but we have six things we strive to do as missionaries every day. That is find, teach, baptize, retain, activate and serve and do all six every day. If we work on each of these every day we will bring souls to Christ and help them get to the temple. It is not always easy and as a senior couple we focus more on the retention, activation and service than the others as we try to find and help the 100 members of our branch who are currently lost from the fold. We are each so necessary in this work.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We love each of you and pray you will each catch the vision of hastening the work in your wards or branches, homes, work or wherever you may go.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom and Dad etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Congratulations Sister Hawkins and Elder and Sister Yearsley in finishing your missions and “returning with honor.”</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-43426763787680818342015-02-16T15:43:00.000-08:002015-02-16T15:44:04.802-08:00February 9 and 16, 2015Feb 9& 16 <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I started this letter a week ago but got distracted and didn’t finish so here is a double dose.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We had an experience we didn’t imagine we would have on our mission this past week. The only young family we have in our branch asked us if we could possibly babysit for them so they could go to the temple. We have told them since we got here that we would but they haven’t asked us to until now. We have no young men or women in our branch so they don’t know any girls they could get to babysit. We spent 8 hours with 4 boys ages 9, 7, 3 and 2 and it was mostly fun. The weather was so beautiful that Evan cut wood and the boys stacked it. They thought it was great fun and after stacking two small stacks they thought they “had enough wood for two winters”. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There has been a lot of sickness going through our branch again so lots of cancelled appointments. One of the Elders was also sick for four days and we sure missed him. Thank heavens I had plenty of genealogy research people have asked me to do so I got to spend time doing that. I have cleaned up some of the mistakes in the Burst family lines where there were lots of duplicates.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Evan confirmed Sydney in church last Sunday and gave her a beautiful blessing with it. Sydney called later that evening and wanted to come over and talk. She said she was disappointed about her confirmation because she didn’t feel the spirit like she did at her baptism. We talked with her about feeling the spirit and how it was not always a grand big experience but sometimes a still voice. We talked about how she seems to have been a member so long because she uses correct prayer language and just understands all she is taught. She told us about sometimes when she is talking to her friends about the gospel that the answers just come to her and she doesn’t know where they come from. It was so wonderful to teach her from the scriptures about the things she already knows. She truly is just remembering what she has always known.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I read our good friend Wanda Yearsley’s blog and she had this story in it from their final Outgoing devotional. They are serving in San Jose California and are just about to finish their mission. I liked the story so well I wanted to share it. “(President Lemmon is a counselor in the mission presidency). President Lemmon said that when he was 16, he had a great bishop…..his dad. After a meeting one day, his dad asked him to meet with him in his office. His dad then told him things that he wasn’t doing very well at and needed to improve on. He was being a typical teenager, not looking at his dad and trying to just ignore him. His dad could tell from his actions that he wasn’t happy with what was said. Then he said to him, if an angel asked you to do these things, what would you do? President Lemmon said he thought a minute, and thought of the angels that Laman and Lemuel had seen, and how they just ignored them, and thought to himself, I’m not going to be a Laman and a Lemuel. Then his dad said, I am your angel now, representing the Lord. So President Lemmon took the council from his dad to heart. He said that the Lord’s hand can be seen in all things. There are no coincidences in life. We are not God’s <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2027292779" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Saturday</span></span></span> afternoon hobby when He is bored. We are His work and his glory.” He surely did “liken the scriptures” to himself. If we could each think of ourselves as being someone’s “angel” or thinking of those who have and are “angels” to us we would all strive to do as Nephi and “go and do”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Feb 16</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Winter has finally come to Indiana. We had only had one small snow storm clear back in November which only lasted one day. The predictions for this past weekend were for lots of snow and cold. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2027292780" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Saturday</span></span></span> night at our Valentine’s social the branch President called (he wasn’t there because he had been in meetings with Elder Christofferson) and cancelled church because of the weather forecast. When we got up <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2027292781" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Sunday</span></span></span> and there was no snow and it was only -6 we wondered about the stamina of these people. It worked out well though because it gave us the opportunity to go to Louisville and visit Sister Hinkle who had a brain tumor removed <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2027292782" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">on Saturday</span></span></span>. She is fighting lung cancer and now this. We also took the winding way home and found a less active we hadn’t found before and had a really good visit. He is from the Sketo family who were so active at one point but now only one out of 10 children is active.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We woke up this morning to snow and it has continued to snow all day. We probably have about 12 inches and it is still coming. I had been missing the snow until I looked out the window and remembered that I really like summer better. The missionaries were told not to leave their apartments until <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2027292783" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">noon tomorrow</span></span></span> because of the weather and to not drive their cars at all. Our Elders called and got permission to walk to our place so they could do laundry. We live about 10 blocks apart and they were pretty cold when they got here. Evan is presently digging out the drive so we can take them home later but first we will have a rousing game of Racko. We do have fun in this mission.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We had the opportunity <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2027292784" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">on Saturday</span></span></span> to have a mission conference with Elder Cristofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve and Elder Soares of the 70. They and their wives each spoke to us. I especially loved Sister Christofferson’s talk about this not being our home but we are all away from our heavenly home and have an innate longing to go back home. Elder Christofferson had a Q&A at first and it was wonderful and inspiring to hear his counsel and to feel of his spirit as he taught us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This has turned into a real epistle. I just want everyone to know how grateful I am for this opportunity to serve here. I love every meeting we go to because of the spirit I feel. I love the Savior and all those who are teaching of Him. I love to see the changes in not only the investigators but the missionaries as well as they truly become converted. I highly recommend a mission to everyone who can possibly arrange it. When we were talking to Elder Roderick who works out of the mission office he told us that there is a shortage of 156 couples right now. Our branch doesn’t know how it would function without a Senior couple and some of the branches in our mission are now without a couple because of the shortage. Don't miss out on the opportunity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Enough for today. We love you all. We know the gospel is true.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-80889409333353966952015-02-02T13:38:00.000-08:002015-02-03T13:39:07.514-08:00February 2, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This week was a week filled with genealogy for me which makes it super. I was able to help three different people work on their genealogy and get names ready for the temple. We also found that lots of the work has been done on one line of a non-member man who is married to one of our most devoted members. She feels that this might help him come closer to being baptized but doesn’t want to get her hopes up. He really wanted to see a fan chart for him like she has on her side. I love genealogy work. To me that would be the perfect mission.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We had District Meeting and so many times I come away with such a spiritual high. This time as part of Elder Fleener’s training he told us of his best missionary experience. He said he hadn’t been out very long but was having a really hard time with contacting people. He was afraid to talk to people and was with a companion who liked to talk to everyone so he just let his companion take the lead. One day they started to pass a young man and his companion just kind of pushed him to take the lead and so Elder Fleener asked the young man if they could say a prayer with him. The young man later told them that he was just asking God to help him find the way. He had been praying for quite some time to know what way he should go in life and they stopped him and talked to him. He was baptized along with two of his best friends, a young couple he knew and his mother. Another of his friends is now investigating the gospel. All because he finally opened his mouth and didn’t let the opportunity pass by. Elder Jensen than said to compare the joy Elder Fleener felt with the outcome of opening his mouth to what he would have felt to get to the next life and realize the opportunity he had missed and the sorrow he would have felt knowing he had passed this young man by. We all need to open our mouths.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1912390683" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">This Sunday</span></span></span> we after church we had such a wonderful baptism for Sydney. She said to me as she was going to get dressed that we would have to “surgically remove her smile today”. She is so ready for this step in her life. It is so wonderful to see someone going from not really believing in a God to where she is today. She bore a powerful testimony after her baptism. Evan will confirm her next week in Sacrament Meeting. She now really knows what the spirit feels like. Her mother was there to support her and when she asked her mom how she felt about church she said she felt she had been a member her whole life. It will certainly be interesting to see where it goes from here with her. She has had a couple of lessons with the Elders and seems very receptive. We have been so thrilled to be a part of Sydney’s journey.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder Evans gave a really good talk on the Holy Ghost at the baptism. He told of a friend of his from his ward that told an experience he had coming home from his mission a number of years ago. He got off the airplane and a missionary’s worst nightmare happened. There was no one there to meet him. He saw a phone across the hall and went over to use it. As he walked through the arched doorway he heard a sound like a whooshing and thought it might be a heater vent. He looked around but couldn’t see anything. He called his mom and found that they had the wrong gate so he said he would come and meet them. As he went through the arched doorway he again heard and felt this whooshing. He looked around and again didn’t see anything but as he looked closer he realized that he had walked into a bar where the phone was. He said it was so real to him that the sound he heard and what he felt was the Holy Ghost leaving. The Holy Ghost can’t be with us when we are in such places. Even though he was innocent in the experience it taught him a great lesson. It is such a good lesson for us all to learn and practice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As you can read we have had a very great week with some wonderful spiritual experiences. We also were able to attend the temple last Saturday which is always such a great experience. The session was so full that one of our sisters who had gone with us didn’t even get in. She was upset at first but went and did initiatory and said after that it was just what she needed that day. Another tender mercy of the Lord.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have a wonderful week everyone. Share the gospel every chance you get—even if you are afraid to open your mouth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom and Dad</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-46734799840193393822015-01-26T13:37:00.000-08:002015-02-03T13:37:29.503-08:00January 26, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It seemed as if the week flew by and as I look back at my journal to see what to write I find that it has just been a typical week. We did some service, visited less actives, visited the sick, helped plan a baptism, baked food to take to people, encouraged the down trodden(texting is great when they won’t answer their phone but will text), prepared lessons for Sunday, fed the Elders, drove to Louisville for transfer meeting which ends up being nearly 300 miles, made numerous trips to Bristow (45 miles round trip), stopped at the gas station a lot (thank heavens for cheaper gas), had weekly District Meeting and even babysat 4 little boys so their parents could have a date. Our mission call is to help in the branch where ever needed and that about sums it up for the week. Sometimes it doesn’t seem as if we have or are making a big difference but we just keep going. Who knows what soil we are preparing or what seeds we are planting? We did meet with a less active man who is just working here temporarily and he seems sincere in his desire to come back to church. He was very active at one time but let things slip away when he got divorced. We are so thrilled about the baptism coming up next week. Every time Sydney learns something new she is so excited to implement it in her life. She reads her scriptures any time she is feeling down or discouraged or faces some challenge. She is truly an inspiration to this branch. She went to primary with me yesterday to see what it was all about and bore her testimony to our boys about how much she already loves the scriptures and how blessed they are to have had them their whole lives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We just passed our 11 month mark. Time really does fly when you are having fun. We love the opportunity to share our testimonies of our Savior and His atonement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ps. Kimber: thank you so much for the sharing time idea. I used the punch cup thing in my lesson and of course the 5 boys loved it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Kara: Thanks for the long email. It was so good to learn of what is happening in your family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Joe, Josh, Cami and Jake: Thanks for the phone calls. It was good to visit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Connie: Thanks for always sending your notes. We appreciate any communications we get even short ones.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Amy: Congrats on the upcoming grandchild. You will make a wonderful grandmother.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary and Wanda: We have really enjoyed your blog. You certainly don’t have time to get “trunky”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dale and Ivalue: It sounds as if your busy schedule has started up again. Keep up the good work.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Val: We have enjoyed following your mission. You certainly have served a little bit differently doing so much of it on your own.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Charlie: Thanks for the information and the help.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555494014947251456.post-51149006511071325042015-01-19T06:37:00.000-08:002015-01-23T06:37:36.983-08:00January 19, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hello all from sunny Indiana. Our weather has been so beautiful the last 4 days we are hoping it isn’t the calm before the storm. It has been jacket weather which has sure been appreciated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The best part of the last couple of weeks has been the decision of our friend Sydney to be baptized. She is nineteen and really didn’t know anything about God when the Elders started teaching her. She has come so far and is so excited. We were with them last week when they taught about tithing and she just said “hurry and ask me the will you question”. That is how each lesson ends. Will you live the law of tithing or will you live the word of wisdom (she wasn’t sure about giving up an occasional glass of wine but did make the commitment.) That is one way you can tell if someone is really understanding and changing their lives-if they answer the Will You questions and then keep the commitments. We also watched the Mountain of the Lord video with her and she is so excited about going to do baptisms for the dead. We looked and perhaps we can take her to the Indianapolis temple open house in April. Sydney just announced at Family Home Evening that she has moved her baptism date up two weeks. At one lesson she told us all that she didn’t think she was feeling the spirit like we all talk about feeling. She said that she hadn’t ever really felt a burning like the Elders had told her could happen and Elder Fullmer told her that it might be more a feeling of peace. That made more sense to her and she said that even though her life is not perfect and she still has some problems she really has felt peace since she has learned about the gospel. Our branch has really taken to her and are all fellowshipping her. She said tonight that it would be hard to see “her missionaries” ever go but knows that is what happens. She has especially bonded with our friend Carolyn because she is just the age Carolyn was when Carolyn joined the church so they have that in common. Sydney was feeling a little down because she has told some of her friends about being baptized and they are giving her a hard time about it. She is so excited for her baptism that she wants everyone to be happy with and for her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I spent 4 hours one day going visiting teaching to two ladies. About an hour and a half of that was travel time and then we just make long visits because we never take the time to visit <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1819256433" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">on Sunday</span></span></span>. One of the ladies is in her 80’s and comes to church when she can but she needs to visit. She has been really sick so hasn’t been to church for several weeks so we had a good time catching up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We have to be in Owensboro by 6 a.m. tomorrow to take a set of Elders to transfer meeting. We really did want to go to this particular transfer meeting because both Elder Davis and Elder Gerard finish their missions tomorrow. They were the Elders here in Tell City when we arrived on our mission and we love them both. It means for a very early morning and a rather long day but so worth it. We love transfer meetings because of the enthusiasm of all the missionaries. There is nothing like Greenie Fire.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">WE love all of you and appreciate any texts, emails, phone calls or letters. We both love the gospel and love being here with these good people. We know we can all make a difference if we just let out light shine and not be afraid to share the truthfulness of the gospel. Just remember that so many are seeking the truth but don’t know where to find it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder and Sister Fullmer</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0