A Tribute To Russell M. Nelson

Just like many of you, I have been thinking a lot about President Russell M. Nelson this week.  He passed away last Saturday at 101 years old and was one of the most accomplished individuals this world has ever known. He was the 17^th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for almost 8 years and served as an apostle for the last 41 years. Before accepting the call to serve as an apostle, he worked for 29 years in the field of cardiothoracic surgery and pioneered the first human open-heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass and went on to become a very successful heart surgeon.  I grew to love him by his kindness, his love for others, and his incredible way of expressing his feelings and trying to teach us all to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He was the father of nine daughters and one son…..and well over 150 grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He will surely be missed by not only his family, but by members and non-members of church worldwide. 

I wanted to remind myself of some of the wonderful quotes he has given us over the years, so I am going to highlight some of them below.  His emphasis over the years was for us to prioritize Jesus Christ and His teachings in our lives, the importance of daily repentance for peace and joy, the idea to “think celestial” for an eternal perspective, and to always try to be a “peacemaker”.  These are some of his messages he gave to us all…..

“In the coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost”.  “Think Celestial”.

"The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives". “Our theology begins with Heavenly Parents, and our highest aspiration is to be like them”.  “Put Jesus Christ first because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His atonement”.  “Men and Women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can”. “As you let God prevail in your life, I promise you greater peace, confidence, joy, and yes, rest”.  “As you choose to live on the Lord’s side, you’re never alone”.  “Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ”.  “Today I am asking us to interact with others in a higher, holier way". “Please listen carefully.  If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy that we can say about another person – whether to his face or behind her back – that should be our standard of communication”.  “Let us as a people become a true light on the hill – a light that cannot be hid.  Let us show that there is a peaceful, respectful way to resolve complex issues and an enlightened way to work out disagreements”.   “You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation.  I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always”.  “None of us can control nations or the actions of others or even members of our own families.  But we can control ourselves.  My call today is to end conflicts that are raging in our heart, your home, and your life.  Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others – whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or a resentment for someone who has hurt you.  The Savior commanded us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us.  We are followers of the Prince of Peace.  Now more than ever, we need the peace only He can bring. How can we expect peace to exist in the world when we are not individually seeking peace and harmony”?  "Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind". "True disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up and be different from the people of the world".    “Make time for the Lord”…..I plead with you today to counter the lure of the world by making time for the Lord in your life – each and every day”. "Each day is a day of decision, and our decisions determine our destiny". "Our family is the focus of our greatest work and joy in this life; so will it be throughout eternity".

"The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again".

We could go on and on…..his teachings were powerful and have changed the lives of millions of people around the world.  Like I said above, He will be surely missed but He is happy now with is beloved wife, Dantzel. A new dawn is breaking for our beloved Prophet.

The picture and videos below are again some of the things we did this week here in Ghana.  It was one of those weeks where we say goodbye to departing missionaries and welcome the new ones.....12 departed and 13 new missionaries arrived.....from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tonga, USA, Congo, New Guinea, South Africa, Botswana, and Madagascar. It happens every six weeks and it is bitter sweet to say goodbye…..we are happy for them to be able to be with their families back home, but we will miss them here in the mission field.  They did such wonderful work and served with all of their hearts.  There are many, many members of the church that have seen their lives change and they will never forget the missionaries who brought them the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Jill is always looking for something to grow and she does love plants..... It is the farm girl in her.

Patrick and Elder Anderson.....two good men.

President and Sister Campbell from Provo, Utah.....great mission leaders and loving what they are doing and loving each and every one of these Elders and Sisters.

Transfer day again.....every six weeks.....very exciting for all.

Keeping everything organized.....two powerful women and very critical to the well being of these missionaries.

The inside of a "Tro".....this one is actually pretty good.

Trying to figure out how much it will cost to get back home......and the Sisters are just visiting.

Might as well pull out the keyboard and provide some music. Some of our missionaries are learning to play the piano.

Eating some breakfast and sharing stories. I love being around these wonderful missionaries.

Managing where everyone goes and who they will be with is something the Mission President works hard at doing and relying upon the Lord for help. Figuring out the logistics of travel for 50-75 missionaries each Transfer day is an incredible task. Thank heavens for the AP's. Some of these missionaries live 30 minutes away....some four hours away. Busy day for everyone!

I wonder what they are talking about? Ties? dresses? Who knows. They look interested at whatever they are watching. I like this Elder's tie.

We take the missionaries going home to the Art market, which we have all seen in the cities throughout the world.....just a lot of things to buy and the vendors love when we come.

I guess this picture appeared three times.....I was trying to get better lighting so you could see their faces. These are the missionaries that went home this last week.....from the USA, England, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Eswatini, Australia, and Central Africa Republic

These four Americans went home right after our departure dinner and Devotional. Certainly some of the best ever.

The rest of the non-Americans spent the night and we played some games and fixed some popcorn. They had a lot of fun.

These are the new missionaries and here they are getting some of the bugs out of sitting for so long in meetings as they go through orientation in the Mission Home and Mission Office. The one Elder from Tonga is having some fun with his smooth dance moves.

Sister Marume from Zimbabwe.....going home now.....has only been a member for three years.

More Games to play....nothing else to do while they sit around waiting for their flights.

So cute.....and amazing that they walk home from school at such a young age by themselves.

The third group to go home over a 2-day period. I love these people. One of our joys of our mission is to take the missionaries to the airport and watch them go through check-in, baggage check, passport check, and carry on check. They always keep looking around for us to see if we are still there. It brings a tear to our eyes.....they are just young people and we are just like their grandparents. The Sisters on the far right hover around my desk in hopes to get more money for traveling home. They are a few of the new "trainers".

Hanging out with Sister Blodgett and getting breakfast ready for another group of missionaries. What do they have in common.....beautiful smiles. The Mission Office is always busy and open to all. I do think they like being here and hanging out. It gives them a little diversion from walking the streets of Ghana in search for people to teach.

This guy wanted to share his talent with me. I tried it and could not do it.