Elder Austin's final letter to the President

27 September 2009
Leipzig, Germany

Dear President Pimentel,

It has been an honor for me to serve with you and President Borcherding, two inspired and dedicated leaders. Both of you have proven many times to me that you are called of God and your confidence in me has confirmed that I also have been called to this great work. Sister Austin and I also think we have served with the best Sisters and Elders but this mission seems to be full of the best. This fact become important to me because I initially came on this mission out of love and respect for Sister Austin who so desired to be a missionary. Service out of duty is laudable but was not the motivation I needed to work with the young single adults. That came as I forgot myself and my duty and began to serve out of love. The result was that we found children here in the Germany Berlin Mission that became children to us and who taught me about faith. Perhaps I could share one such experience.

Following our arrival in Leipzig I had many opportunities to teach Institute classes when the assigned teachers were unable to come. I was always happy to do so when I had sufficient notification to prepare and in one month I had taught two consecutive Tuesdays but was hoping not to make it three. Tuesday morning came and no call to teach and I confess I was a bit relieved. Then, around noon, the call did come and again I said yes but began to feel some resentment building up inside myself. Nevertheless I began to study the manual and also began to pray that I could set aside my resentment and do a good job. As I did so a voice came into my mind clear with the words, “Elder Austin, I have arranged this for you today, it is not accident that you will teach this class and it is not for the young single adults that you will teach it. It is for you.” My inner response was, “Why Father, you know that I know the subject well and have taught it many times and have heard numerous talks about it during my life in the Church.” So, what was the topic I was to teach? Faith! By now I was in tears. Again I heard clearly in mind and heart the words, “Elder Austin, there is something you yet lack in regard to faith. Prepare and you will know when you have learned it.”

So again I began to review and read the scriptures, especially those in Matthew and some in the writing of Paul about the gifts of the Spirit. It became so clear to me that I had not understood for all these years that faith is a gift and the requirement to have and develop it is humility. I needed to ask Father for it and open my heart to receive it so I could plant the seed. I realized that I was like the father with the possessed son who said to the Savior, “I believe, help my unbelief.”
So, I lead the discussion about faith that night and I think I did ok, even though I was still a bit emotional. After the class was over no one came to me to thank me or tell me I did well which had always occurred on previous occasions. The thought occurred to me again that if they had my pride may have overcome my humility and again I would have assumed it was my ability that mattered rather than the guidance of the Holy Ghost so silently I again thanked my Heavenly Father for his hand in my life.
These are the types of experiences Sister Austin and I had at various times. They strengthened our testimonies and gave us the desire to serve with love. They helped us to accompany the Elders and Sisters on may teaching assignments and be gladly be with the Young Single Adults in Chemnitz and Leipzig. I can testify that me Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, love and know each of us personally and are willing to guide us when we are ready to listen and obey.

Elder Austin

Sister Austin's final letter to the President

Dear President Pimintal,

This is the finalise letter. 'We are returning to the United States and leaving beloved Germany and our CES Mission experience. This is a bitter Sweet experience as we pack our bags with hearts that are full.

We came a year and half ago not knowing what to expect but we leave with many fond memories and many spiritual experiences.

I have reflected often on two occurrences which happened before our mission. One was a dream I had before we received our call. In that dream I was bearing my testimony in German. I remember waking up from that dream and thinking but I do not speak German. The other experience was when we were set apart as Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In that blessing the Stake President blessed me with the gift of tongues. I remember feeling at the time that if I would everyday spend time studying German and reading in the book of Mormon, that the I would be able to speak. Well I have done my best to study and to read each day even if it is only a short time, and have been blessed to be able to bear my testimony all over Saxony in DGerman. My Stake President also blessed me with an instant love of the German people. I felt it the first Sunday we were hear and it has remained strong in my heart as we have served and attended our meetings, visit taught, song with the primary children and served in many capacities with the YSA.

One of the first things I was asked to do when we came was to cook. Rene the YSA that asked me told me what they expected and I remember feeling I was not sure I was up to feeding 30 to 40 people each week in the Institute and then also snacks for Family Home Evening. But I remember asking my Father in Heave to help me with the right attitude and that I might find great joy in this assignment. I can tell you that it was not long before I was looking forward to this opportunity to serve. It was an amazing experience to feel the Spirit of joy in my cooking. I also noticed the impact it was having on the YSA. They loved it. I soon found the great Principal of service in effect as we serve one another unselfishly our love for each other increases. It was one sad day when we were told we would be leaving for another city. 'The YSA President began crying and she could not stop. Bother Elder Austin and I began to cry as well. It was hard to leave. But we had another wonderful experience as we began our service in Leipzig.

We were welcomed and loved just as much in Leipzig. The members hear in Leipzig have been so gracious and so kind to us. We have been loved and treated with great respect where ever we have been.

A big highlight of our mission was going to the Berlin Tagung with over 600 YSA from German speaking Europe. We were asked to give workshops and had a delightful time in preparation and in sharing our thoughts and love of the gospel, also meeting other CES couples was another great blessing.


Another very important principle that has been etched in my heart is that the Lord blesses and works through those he calls. I have a strong testimony of this as I have watched young District Leaders and Zone leaders do their best and receive inspiration for their stewardship's. I have felt the 'Spirit as missionaries bear there testimonies to investigators. It has been a privilege to serve with the missionaries and to see there diligence in teaching and sharing the gospel.

So what are the important things I have learned on my mission:

1. Preach my gospel in such an inspired missionary tool. I felt often the spirit bear witness as I studies.
2. The missionaries have the Spirit of the Lord with them.

3. The German people in Saxony are full of wisdom and insight because of the many things they have been through to maintain and keep strong testimonies of the gospel..

4. I have a great respect for those who remained faithful before the Venda.
5. The Lord loves his missio9naaries, and he will bless them.
6. The lessons learned on a mission are life long lessons. If we continue to pattern our life with the many habits and attitudes developed on our mission, we will be blessed greatly. Obedience, Love, Study, Service. Support and praying for our companion. etc etc etc

7. I have relearned the power of unselfish service.
8. I have felt the power of sincere testimony and I know the Lord is pleased when we share a sincere and heart felt testimony. I have a renewed desire to share it often.

9. My prayers for the missionaries and the missionary work will never be the same having served a mission. I will pray with increased intensity and faith in their behalf.

10. My respect for the work of a Mission President and his wife and family has increased immensely. This is a work of love and dedication, I did not realize how much work a Mission President does. OH MY

11. I have felt the blessing of the Lord in behalf of my family as we have served.

12. And to me most importantly my appreciation and love for a husband who has served day by day, going the extra mile in his effort to shepherd those who have been entrusted to our care. I have seen his frustration with personal concerns, I have seen his willingness to serve by the bishop or other ward leaders. I have heard heartfelt prayers in behalf of the YSA and in behalf of his beloved children and grandchildren.. I have seen his love the Jesus Christ increase. We have grown more united in this opportunity to serve. This in the eternities will be of the most significance importance for us.

I come from a family where all my 7 brothers and 1 sister served full time missions and alsoi mz father and my mother. I was the only person who had not gone on a mission. I can now say I too have served a mission for my Lord and my Church. Und dss ist wuderbar!

Sister Austin

Patriarchal Blessing

Amy and Kim,

The old guy here. Mom and I just had a great morning with an 85 year old sister who found the Church here in Leipzig just a few years ago. She prepares lunch for us every Friday and it is so good. That may explain why I have gained a few lb's, that and the fact the the pastry here is to die for. Anyway, when we meet with her this week we read to her an article about Patriarchal Blessings and she is so excited to receive hers, even at 85. Thought you might like to read the article we read to her and understand her . Love.

Elder Opa

"When Should I Get My Patriarchal Blessing?"
By Robert K Wagstaff Patriarch, Springville Utah West Stake
You will find this at LDS.org

Prayer

Hello all,

Hope this email finds you all in good health and happy spirits. Hard to believe we've already been here 16 months and will be home in just 2 short months. It seems that the more time we spend here the more we revert to the basics of the gospel because we now understand how important the essential truths of the gospel are. That is why, as I read the current Ensign talk by Prisident Eyring, it spoke to my heart about the importance of prayer for us as missionaries but also especially for you, our children, and your children, our grandchildren. The things mom and I plead for in our prayers are that your hearts and minds will be open to the prompting of the Holy Ghost, that God may write his sacred name, through his atonement, upon your heart, so that you and your children will know you are his. Ask you take the time to read this please let me know what you think.

Elder Opa

"That He May Write upon Our Hearts"
By President Henry B. Eyring First Counselor in the First Presidency
You will find this at LDS.org

Opa's Scripture 6-14

A popular song from the sixties had the the lyrics: "what the world needs now, is love, sweet love". I would think that everyone has their own idea of what that means but for the Apostle Paul it meant the way in which we interact with each other, the way we would hope the Savior would act with us were we with him. Pauls writes the following:

1 Corinthian 13:
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not acharity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of aprophecy, and understand all bmysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the apoor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 aCharity bsuffereth long, and is ckind; charity denvieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself aunseemly, seeketh not her bown, is not easily cprovoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in ainiquity, but rejoiceth in the btruth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never afaileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a aglass, bdarkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth afaith, bhope, ccharity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.


What I have learned here as a missionary causes me to see charity more than just as an attitude but as a gift as with most of the other attributes of Jesus Christ. A gift he gives to help me become more like Jesus so that we can better appreciate the other supreme gifts he has given us. That would be each other. Thank a loving Heavenly Father for these great gifts.

Elder Opa

In God's Eyes.... A good read

Here is a great article about family for the family I love.

Opa



IN GOD'S EYES
by Candace Carteen, Portland, Oregon

By the time I was ten, I was totally ashamed of my father. All
my friends called him names: Quasi-Moto, hunchback, monster,
little Frankenstein, the crooked little man with the crooked
little cane. At first it hurt when they called him those things,
but soon I found myself agreeing with them. He was ugly, and I
knew it!

My father was born with something called parastremmatic
dwarfism. The disease made him stop growing when he was about
thirteen and caused his body to twist and turn into a grotesque
shape. It wasn't too bad when he was a kid. I saw pictures of
him when he was about my age. He was a little short but quite
good-looking. Even when he met my mother and married her when he
was nineteen, he still looked pretty normal. He was still short
and walked with a slight limp, but he was able to do just about
anything. Mother said, "He even used to be a great dancer."

Soon after my birth, things started getting worse. Another
genetic disorder took over, and his left foot started turning
out, almost backward. His head and neck shifted over to the
right; his neck became rigid and he had to look over his left
shoulder a bit. His right arm curled in and up, and his index
finger almost touched his elbow. His spine warped to look
something like a big, old roller coaster and it caused his torso
to lie sideways instead of straight up and down like a normal
person. His walk became low, awkward, and deliberate.. He had to
almost drag his left foot as he used his deformed right arm to
balance his gait.

I hated to be seen with him. Everyone stared. They seemed to
pity me. I knew he must have done something really bad to have
God hate him that much. By the time I was seventeen, I was
blaming all my problems on my father. I didn't have the right
boyfriends because of him. I didn't drive the right car because
of him. I wasn't pretty enough because of him. I didn't have the
right jobs because of him. I wasn't happy because of him.

Anything that was wrong with me, or my life, was because of him.
If my father had been good-looking like Jane's father, or
successful like Paul's father, or worldly like Terry's father, I
would be perfect! I knew that for sure.

The night of my senior prom came, and Father had to place one
more nail in my coffin; he had volunteered to be one of the
chaperons at the dance.

My heart just sank when he told me. I stormed into my room,
slammed the door, threw myself on the bed, and cried. "Three
more weeks and I'll be out of here!" I screamed into my pillow.
"Three more weeks and I will have graduated and be moving away
to college." I sat up and took a deep breath.

"God, please make my father go away and leave me alone. He keeps
sticking his big nose in everything I do. Just make him
disappear, so that I can have a good time at the dance."

I got dressed, my date picked me up, and we went to the prom.
Father followed in his car behind us. When we arrived, Father
seemed to vanish into the pink chiffon drapes that hung
everywhere in the auditorium. I thanked God that He had heard my
prayer. At least now I could have some fun.

Midway through the dance, Father came out from behind the drapes
and decided to embarrass me again. He started dancing with my
girlfriends. One by one, he took their hand and led them to the
dance floor. He then clumsily moved them in circles as the band
played. Now I tried to vanish into the drapes.

After Jane had danced with him, she headed my way. Oh, no! I
thought. She's going to tell me he stomped on her foot or
something.

"Grace," she called, "you have the greatest
father."

My face fell. "What?"

She smiled at me and grabbed my shoulders. "Your father's
just
the best. He's funny, kind, and always finds the time to be
where you need him. I wish my father was more like that."

For one of the first times in my life, I couldn't talk. Her
words confused me.

"What do you mean?" I asked her.

Jane looked at me really strangely.. "What do you mean, what do
I mean? Your father's wonderful. I remember when we were kids,
and I'd sleep over at your house. He'd always come into your
room, sit down in the chair between the twin beds, and read us a
book. I'm not sure my father can even read," she sighed, and
then smiled. "Thanks for sharing him."

Then, Jane ran off to dance with her boyfriend. I stood there in
silence.

A few minutes later, Paul came to stand beside me.

"He's sure having a lot of fun."

"What? Who? Who is having a lot of fun?" I asked.

"Your father. He's having a ball."

"Yeah. I guess." I didn't know what else to say.

"You know, he's always been there," Paul said. "I
remember when
you and I were on the mixed-doubles soccer team. He tried out as
the coach, but he couldn't run up and down the field, remember?
So they picked Jackie's father instead. That didn't stop him. He
showed up for every game and did whatever needed to be done. He
was the team's biggest fan. I think he's the reason we won so
many games. Without him, it just would have been Jackie's father
running up and down the field yelling at us. Your father made it
fun. I wish my father had been able to show up to at least one
of our games. He was always too busy."

Paul's girlfriend came out of the restroom, and he went to her
side, leaving me once again speechless.

My boyfriend came back with two glasses of punch and handed me
one. "Well, what do you think of my father?" I asked out of the
blue.

Terry looked surprised. "I like him. I always have."

"Then why did you call him names when we were kids?"

"I don't know. Because he was different, and I was a dumb
kid."

"When did you stop calling him names?" I asked, trying to
search
my own memory.

Terry didn't even have to think about the answer. "The day
he
sat down with me outside by the pool and held me while I cried
about my mother and father's divorce. No one else would let me
talk about it. I was hurting inside, and he could feel it. He
cried with me that day. I thought you knew."

I looked at Terry and a tear rolled down my cheek as
long-forgotten memories started cascading into my consciousness.

When I was three, my puppy got killed by another dog, and my
father was there to hold me and teach me what happens when the
pets we love die.

When I was five, my father took me to my first day of school. I
was so scared. So was he. We cried and held each other that
first day. The next day he became teacher's helper.. When I was
eight, I just couldn't do math. Father sat down with me night
after night, and we worked on math problems until math became
easy for me. When I was ten, my father bought me a brand-new
bike. When it was stolen, because I didn't lock it up like I was
taught to do, my father gave me jobs to do around the house so I
could make enough money to purchase another one.. When I was
thirteen and my first love broke up with me, my father was there
to yell at, to blame, and to cry with. When I was fifteen and I
got to be in the honor society, my father was there to see me
get the accolade. Now, when I was seventeen, he put up with me
no matter how nasty I became or how high my hormones raged.

As I looked at my father dancing gaily with my friends, a big
toothy grin on his face, I suddenly saw him differently. The
handicaps weren't his, they were mine! I had spent a great deal
of my life hating the man who loved me. I had hated the exterior
that I saw, and I had ignored the interior that contained his
God-given heart. I suddenly felt very ashamed.

I asked Terry to take me home, too overcome with feelings to
remain.

On graduation day, at my Christian high school, my name was
called, and I stood behind the podium as the valedictorian of my
class. As I looked out over the people in the audience, my gaze
rested on my father in the front row sitting next to my mother.
He sat there, in his one and only, specially made suit, holding
my mother's hand and smiling.

Overcome with emotions, my prepared speech was to become a
landmark in my life.

"Today I stand here as an honor student, able to graduate with a
4.0 average. Yes, I was in the honor society for three years and
was elected class president for the last two years. I led our
school to championship in the debate club, and yes, I even won a
full scholarship to Kenton State University so that I can
continue to study physics and someday become a college
professor.

"What I'm here to tell you today, fellow graduates, is that
I
didn't do it alone. God was there, and I had a whole bunch of
friends, teachers, and counselors who helped. Up until three
weeks ago, I thought they were the only ones I would be thanking
this evening. If I had thanked just them, I would have been
leaving out the most important person in my life. My father."

I looked down at my father and at the look of complete shock
that covered his face.

I stepped out from behind the podium and motioned for my father
to join me onstage. He made his way slowly, awkwardly, and
deliberately. He had to drag his left foot up the stairs as he
used his deformed right arm to balance his gait. As he stood
next to me at the podium, I took his small, crippled hand in
mine and held it tight.

"Sometimes we only see the silhouette of the people around
us,"
I said. "For years I was as shallow as the silhouettes I saw.
For almost my entire life, I saw my father as someone to make
fun of, someone to blame, and someone to be ashamed of. He
wasn't perfect, like the fathers my friends had.

"Well, fellow graduates, what I found out three weeks ago is
that while I was envying my friends' fathers, my friends were
envying mine. That realization hit me hard and made me look at
who I was and what I had become. I was brought up to pray to God
and hold high principles for others and myself. What I've done
most of my life is read between the lines of the Good Book so I
could justify my hatred."

Then, I turned to look my father in the face.

"Father, I owe you a big apology. I based my love for you on
what I saw and not what I felt. I forgot to look at the one part
of you that meant the most, the big, big heart God gave you. As
I move out of high school and into life, I want you to know I
could not have had a better father. You were always there for
me, and no matter how badly I hurt you, you still showed up.
Thank you!"

I took off my mortar board and placed it on his head, moving the
tassel just so.

"You are the reason I am standing here today. You deserve this
honor, not me."

And as the audience applauded and cried with us, I felt God's
light shining down upon me as I embraced my father more warmly
than I ever had before, tears unashamedly falling down both our
faces.

For the first time, I saw my father through God's eyes, and I
felt honored to be seen with him.

From the book:
God Allows U Turns: True Stories of Hope and Healing by Allison
Bottke

Pork Chops?

In a zoo in California , a mother tiger gave birth to a rare set of triplet tiger cubs. Unfortunately, due to complications in the pregnancy, the cubs were born prematurely and, due to their tiny size, they died shortly after birth.

The mother tiger, after recovering from the delivery, suddenly started to decline in health although physically she was fine. The veterinarians felt that the loss of her litter had caused the tigress to fall into a depression. The doctors decided that if the tigress could surrogate another mother's cubs, perhaps she would improve.

After checking with many other zoos across the country, the depressing news was that there were no tiger cubs of the right age to introduce to the mourning mother. The veterinarians decided to try something that had never been tried in a zoo environment. Sometimes a mother of one species will take on the care of a different species but the only orphans that could be found quickly, were a litter of weanling pigs. So the zoo keepers and vets wrapped the piglets in tiger skin and placed the babies around the mother tiger. Would they become cubs or pork chops?


Take a look.....you won't believe your eyes!






Now, please tell me one more time, why can't the rest of the world get along?

Stress Management

This from my cousin Mike Smith. Thanks Mikey,

Elder Austin



A young lady in front of the room, confidently walked around while
leading and explaining stress management to an audience; with a raised
glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate
question, 'half empty or half full?' .... she fooled them all... 'How
heavy is this glass of water?' she inquired with a smile.

Answers called out ranged from 8oz. to 20oz.

The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on
how long you hold it.'

'If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an
hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. "If I hold it for a day,
you'll have to call an ambulance.'

'In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the
heavier it becomes.'

She continued, 'And that's the way it is with stress management. If we
carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes
increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on.'

'As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and
rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on
with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced.
'

'So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work/life down.
Don't carry it home... pick it up tomorrow.'

'Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you
can.

Relax; pick them up later after you've rested.

Life is short.

Enjoy it and the now 'supposed' stress that you've conquered !


And then she shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:

1 * Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the
statue


2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them.

3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the
middle of it.

4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their
Maker.

5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was
probably worth it.

7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a
warning to others.

8 * Never buy a car you can't push.

9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you
won't have a leg to stand on.

10 * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

11 * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

12 * The second mouse gets the cheese..

13 * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you
live.

15 * You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the
world to one person.

16 * Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

17 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty
and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors,
but they all have to live in the same box.

18 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

* * * * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you
today ! ! !

Opa's Scripture of the week 5-23

I started Opa's Scripture and Joke because I knew I would be gone someday and I wanted my children and grandchildren to know that Heavenly Father loves you and is there for you in ways that I as Opa could never be. Today I wanted to share with you sojmething a little different and the message is more for you as parents than for the grandkids. I just listened to a presentation by Michael Wilcox as he spoke about teaching ourselves and our children the important things in life. His talk is long, maybe an hour but is so impactful that every word was important. So Opa's request this week is that you take time, as a couple or also individually to listen to his message and try to apply it in your own lives. Here is the link where the talk is found: https://www.timeoutseminars.com/index.php?p_resource=account_webinars_class&p_wbn_pk=53352&p_wbc_pk=63957

Once you have brought up the link you will need to log-in to view it. The email address is arlainea@gmail.com and the password is pepperguitar. That brings up a window with various presentations stated in green on the upper left side of the screen. Go to "What the Scriptures Teach about Raising a Child" and click on enrolled. Then, in the next window go to "Session 2" in green and click on Start Session.

I promise you that if you will watch this video it will give you grreat help as a parent and strengthen your own resolve to be a more loving person.

Love you all,

Opa

A word from Sister Austin

May 20 2009
Dear Friends and Family,


Well, I think it is time to write another letter home.
We are now down to the last approx. 4 and 1/2 months of our mission. Hard to believe. It is a time of reflection and of re-dedication on our parts. We once again acknowledge and praise the incredible missionaries, the Elders and Sisters, in the field here in Germany as well as the world. Bless them, Bless them, Bless them. Please take time to offer a prayer of thanks for these dedicated and heroic children of God as they are about his work. I cannot begin to explain how precious this time as been with them and to be apart of this sacred work with them and this has given us a much greater appreciation for our own James and Chris A and Chris Haines who served missions not long ago. Our own testimony of the Savior has been strengthened by the countless efforts of the many thousands who serve now and have served since the restoration of the Church in 1830.


I was blessed with an opportunity this last week as a young convert in Chemnitz invited me to give a talk at her baptism. I sat down and the words came to mind that I wanted to say and then a wonderful missionary helped me set those words in German and no, it was not Elder Austin rather Elder Brechbühl, a new missionary from Switzerland. I gave my first official talk in German and loved every minute of it. We returned to our beloved Chemnitz and reunited with all our Young Single Adults that we have spent the past year with. I love it and so did Elder Austin. Many of the missionaries in the surrounding areas were there as well and we knew most of them because we have worked with them. It was a glorious reunion.

I am not sure if I have written about our last temple experience with the Young Single Adults in Chemnitz but if I have please forgive as I write again. Bishop Jentzsch of Chemnitz had issued me a calling in the Family History Center and encouraged me and Daniela, another YSA, to work with the newly baptized to get their family history started. So we had worked at this for several weeks. Trying to get all the information and then getting them set up on new family search and then getting the information to the temple. Well we were successful and were able to do baptisms for the deceased fathers of two YSA's. What an inspiring session. I sat watching this whole process and wondered if those fathers were present. In that moment I could feel strongly there spirits and with that this powerful feeling of gratitude. I felt how grateful these fathers were for the work that their daughters had completed and also in a most sweet and real way I could feel their gratitude for Elder Austin and I watching and carrying for their daughters. It was a sacred experience for me, one I will never forget.

Now we are working to get to also assist the young adults in Leipzig. It must be hard for them as they bid farewell to the previous couple they had grown to love and then to let a new couple into there hearts realizing they will be leaving as well. They are wonderful young men and women and we are just getting to know them. I must say we have both been blessed with our ability to love and accept them. The Spirit of Love is so strong and with that love our abilities to influence and bless increases I know.

Well I was able to bear my testimony as I have many times in Germany and in the German language this last Sunday. Elder Austin will be speaking on this next Sunday and we have both been asked to speak in 2 weeks.

This is amazing to me and the fulfillment of several dreams I had before we left as well as a dream my neighbor Pam had where I was speaking German. In my dreams I was bearing my testimony in German. I have seen the fulfillment of that dream many times and my sweet husband is always amazed not so much by my halting German but by the powerful Spirit that he feels.

Elder Austin and I have developed a deeper respect for the gifts and talents we each have. It is our desire to use these in a synergistic manner. That reminds me as I write this of the blessing of our Stake President before we left. He alluded to this very idea.

I have a testimony Heavenly Father has blessed us to work together and in greater harmony than ever before.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is true and we are honored to bear that testimony often as the Spirit confirms to our hearts this is the way and the light and the path to return to him.

love

Sister Austin

PS Elder Bednar recently spoke at a CES Fireside.... His talk was a clarion call of warning for all of us but particularly for the rising generation. I will send the link and hope you have a chance to listen to it. It is a warning for all but particularly for our young who are so involved with the computers and gaming etc.... I must say this was new information to me but I know it is something we all need to be aware of. http://www.facebook.com/pages/BYU-Broadcasting/26529238479

Slide show...

My church family

Reassigned...

Hello boys and girls,

As you have already we are being reassigned to another city to replace a couple heading back to the US in a few weeks. As our young single adults learned of our rapidly approaching departure there were several sad faces and tears, ours included. Many of the young adults are like children to us and we are almost like parents to them especially when theirs are not members so we have formed some strong friendships. Leaving those you love is always hard but the great thing about the message of the Savior is that no separation has to be permanent if we are willing to live according to his gospel because when we do he promised to send us the comforter till we can rejoin him all together in his kingdom in Heaven. Sounds pretty (literally) pie in the sky but I have come to know it is true. That overpowering desire to belong to something greater than ourselves is the force which has driven some to join gangs and follow a dark path but also been the inspiration that has led some to lay down their very lives with the faith that their children and they will be re-united with each other and the Savior in the world to come. I am certain the Prophet Joseph Smith had this sentiment when he wrote the following in Section 130 of the Doctrine and Covenants:"

D&C 130:1-2
1 When the Savior shall appear we shall see him as he is. We shall see that he is a man like ourselves.
2 And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there (Celestial Kingdom), only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.

President Boyd K. Packer, in speaking about this scripture, stated the following in the Ensign, May 1995, p. 8)
“The ultimate purpose of all we teach is to unite parents and children in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are happy at home, sealed in an eternal marriage, linked to their generations, and assured of exaltation in the presence of our Heavenly Father.'"

Opa's Scripture 2/8/09

"In the Bible there are many names or designations for Jesus such as, the Savior, the Redeemer, the Beginning and the End, The Master, the Bread of Life and many more. They are all mostly about his atonement and help us to understand what his sacrifice means for us. However, the Gospel of John is unique because Jesus uses a special designation not found in the other Gospels. It takes place the night before the crucifixion where the Savior meets with the apostles and tells them to love each other and pray for each other like we do for each other in our families. It is here in John 15: verses 12 through 14 that he tells them: 'This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man that this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.' He is telling the Apostles (and us) that he is our friend and will shortly lay down his life for us. We can show him we are his friend if we are obedient to him. I remember how important it was for me as a teenager to have certain friends and for them I would have done many things but not always the right things. With Jesus he never asks me to do the wrong thing like be mean, or take something from someone else because I am bigger, or say bad things about them to hurt them, and good friends would never ask us to do these things either. So make good friends and always try to do the right things and then others will know that we love the Savior and they will respect us for that and want to be our friend and also a friend to Jesus. I love you guys. Take care. Opa"

Opa's Scriptural Thought of the Week‏

February 2, 2009

Guten Morgen alle,

Mom and I have worked more than a week now on a power point presentation that we are doing for a "Gymnasium" class in a nearby city. Gymnasium is like a college prep school, sort of an advanced highs school and the youth, about 20 of them, will be 17 and 18 years old and most will have studied english at least 6 years. They asked us to speak about the United States and the development of the Church and its trek to Utah. They gave us 2 hours for the presentation.

At first I was a bit apprehensive. What do you say to a group of smart young Germans who probably know as much about the US (scholastically) as most American High School students. Nevertheless we agreed to do it and decided we would try to make it fun and have mom lead some folk songs on the guitar and maybe prepare some American food, such as chocolate chip cookies, for them to eat. The theme I developed was "The Great American Experiment". What makes America unique or is it? We jump right in to geography and culture and technology and biz and economics with fun pictures of these types of things, such as surfing in Hawaii, but we end up talking about the founding fathers and the principles of government and freedom they established in 1776 and 1787. I wanted to talk about those principles because Freedom of Religion emerged from those troubled times as one of the crown jewels of the constitution based on the notion that "all men are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights." James Madison took it a step further when he stated "We've staked the whole future of all our American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We've staked the future of all our political institutions upon our capacity...to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."

So based on that very foundation of religious freedom Joseph Smith is called as a Prophet so that the peoples of the world, not just Americans, can came unto Christ. How? As the Book of Mormon states: "We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. (2 Nephi 25: 26)"

So my witness to these students, and to you my children, will be that America was founded not by chance but for a divine purpose. That all may come unto Christ through personal revelation, faith, baptism by those endowed with Power from above, and by remaining faithful to the end. Now go out and have a great week.

Opa

Opa Scripture of the Week‏

January 25, 2009

Guten Abend meine Kinder,

Another week has flow by but now I don't worry about more gray hair, only that I have some hair left when I get home. But mom has sprouted a few gray strands of her own and now I am in trouble having said that so no more about bad hair days. So the following thoughts are offered instead:



A Return to Virtue, Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women General President
October 2008 General Conference Talk (http://by105w.bay105.mail.live.com/mail/www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-24,00.html)You know that mom and I read a lot of conference talks here in the mission field so this week, rather than quote a passage in Scripture I excerpted a few lines from the above reference talk. Sister Dalton starts it with the account about President Brigham Young and associates hiking to a peak in the Wasatch to raise a banner as a symbol to the nations of the earth that the Saints were to be a light to the world. That peak came to be known as Ensign Peak. She ends with the following personal experience that brought back many memories. “Recently I attended the blessing of our newest granddaughter. It was a holy sight to me as my husband and our sons, along with many other loved ones, encircled this little infant. She was so elegant all dressed in white—and it didn’t hurt a bit that she was named after her two grandmothers! But the thing that touched me most was the blessing given by her father, our son Zach. He blessed little Annabel Elaine that she would understand her identity as a daughter of God, that she would follow the examples of her mother, grandmothers, and sister, and that she would find great joy as she lived a virtuous life and prepared to make and keep sacred temple covenants. In that sacred moment, I prayed that every young woman (and young man) might be encircled, strengthened, and protected by righteous priesthood power, not only at the time of birth and blessing but throughout life.” Then she ends by stating, “…that a return to virtue is possible because of the Savior’s example and the “infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. I testify that we will be enabled and strengthened not only to do hard things but to do all things. Now is the time for each of us to arise and unfurl a banner to the world calling for a return to virtue.” Amen, Elder Austin

Opa's Scripture of the week

January 18, 2009


Greetings all,

Here is this weeks scripture: Matthew 5: 9 & 10 (part of the Sermon on the Mount)
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Sermon on the Mount represents the essence of Christ's teachings, even though some of it may seem contradictory. Jesus, the world's greatest peacemaker, was himself persecuted yet he asks us to be peacemakers in a world bent on destroying itself. Knowing that he would walk the path to Golgotha alone, he nevertheless told his disciples, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."( John 14:27). So my best chance to be a peacemaker is the seek his peace, the Holy Ghost, and follow its promptings. It's always the right thing to do. What do you think?

Elder Austin

Daughters of God...

This is a great talk.....enjoy.

Daughters of God
Elder M. Russell Ballard Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.
Brothers and sisters, recently my wife, Barbara, had back surgery and could not lift, twist, or bend. Consequently, I have done more lifting, twisting, and bending than ever before—and it has made me more appreciative of what women, and especially you mothers, do every day in our homes.
While women live in homes under many different circumstances—married, single, widowed, or divorced, some with children and some without—all are beloved of God, and He has a plan for His righteous daughters to receive the highest blessings of eternity.
This afternoon I want to focus my remarks primarily on mothers, particularly on young mothers.
As a young father, I learned the demanding role of motherhood. I served as a counselor and then as bishop for a period of 10 years. During that time we were blessed with six of our seven children. Barbara was often worn-out by the time I got home Sunday evening. She tried to explain what it was like to sit on the back row in sacrament meeting with our young family. Then the day came that I was released. After sitting on the stand for 10 years, I was now sitting with my family on the back row.
The ward's singing mothers' chorus was providing the music, and I found myself sitting alone with our six children. I have never been so busy in my whole life. I had the hand puppets going on both hands, and that wasn't working too well. The Cheerios got away from me, and that was embarrassing. The coloring books didn't seem to entertain as well as they should.
As I struggled with the children through the meeting, I looked up at Barbara, and she was watching me and smiling. I learned for myself to more fully appreciate what all of you dear mothers do so well and so faithfully!
A generation later, as a grandfather, I have watched the sacrifices my daughters have made in rearing their children. And now, still another generation later, I am watching with awe the pressures on my granddaughters as they guide their children in this busy and demanding world.
After observing and empathizing with three generations of mothers and thinking of my own dear mother, I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.
There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be "full-time moms," at least during the most formative years of their children's lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part- or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.
I am impressed by countless mothers who have learned how important it is to focus on the things that can only be done in a particular season of life. If a child lives with parents for 18 or 19 years, that span is only one-fourth of a parent's life. And the most formative time of all, the early years in a child's life, represents less than one-tenth of a parent's normal life. It is crucial to focus on our children for the short time we have them with us and to seek, with the help of the Lord, to teach them all we can before they leave our homes. This eternally important work falls to mothers and fathers as equal partners. I am grateful that today many fathers are more involved in the lives of their children. But I believe that the instincts and the intense nurturing involvement of mothers with their children will always be a major key to their well-being. In the words of the proclamation on the family, "Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children" ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).
We need to remember that the full commitment of motherhood and of putting children first can be difficult. Through my own four-generation experience in our family, and through discussions with mothers of young children throughout the Church, I know something of a mother's emotions that accompany her commitment to be at home with young children. There are moments of great joy and incredible fulfillment, but there are also moments of a sense of inadequacy, monotony, and frustration. Mothers may feel they receive little or no appreciation for the choice they have made. Sometimes even husbands seem to have no idea of the demands upon their wives.
As a Church, we have enormous respect and gratitude to you mothers of young children. We want you to be happy and successful in your families and to have the validation and support you need and deserve. So today, let me ask and briefly answer four questions. While my answers may seem extremely simple, if the simple things are being tended to, a mother's life can be most rewarding.
The first question: What can you do, as a young mother, to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?
First, recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.
Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: "The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . . . I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less"(Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).
Second, don't overschedule yourselves or your children. We live in a world that is filled with options. If we are not careful, we will find every minute jammed with social events, classes, exercise time, book clubs, scrapbooking, Church callings, music, sports, the Internet, and our favorite TV shows. One mother told me of a time that her children had 29 scheduled commitments every week: music lessons, Scouts, dance, Little League, day camps, soccer, art, and so forth. She felt like a taxi driver. Finally, she called a family meeting and announced, "Something has to go; we have no time to ourselves and no time for each other." Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh, and to play together.
Third, even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children. Avoid any kind of substance abuse, mistakenly thinking that it will help you accomplish more. And don't allow yourself to be caught up in the time-wasting, mind-numbing things like television soap operas or surfing the Internet. Turn to the Lord in faith, and you will know what to do and how to do it.
Fourth, pray, study, and teach the gospel. Pray deeply about your children and about your role as a mother. Parents can offer a unique and wonderful kind of prayer because they are praying to the Eternal Parent of us all. There is great power in a prayer that essentially says, "We are steward-parents over Thy children, Father; please help us to raise them as Thou wouldst want them raised."
The second question: What more can a husband do to support his wife, the mother of their children?
First, show extra appreciation and give more validation for what your wife does every day. Notice things and say thank you—often. Schedule some evenings together, just the two of you.
Second, have a regular time to talk with your wife about each child's needs and what you can do to help.
Third, give your wife a "day away" now and then. Just take over the household and give your wife a break from her daily responsibilities. Taking over for a while will greatly enhance your appreciation of what your wife does. You may do a lot of lifting, twisting, and bending!
Fourth, come home from work and take an active role with your family. Don't put work, friends, or sports ahead of listening to, playing with, and teaching your children.
The third question: What can children, even young children, do? Now, you children, please listen to me because there are some simple things you can do to help your mother.
You can pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them, and when you get a little older, you can make your bed, help with the dishes, and do other chores—without being asked.
You can say thank you more often when you finish a nice meal, when a story is read to you at bedtime, or when clean clothes are put in your drawers.
Most of all, you can put your arms around your mother often and tell her you love her.
The last question: What can the Church do?
There are many things the Church offers to mothers and families, but for my purpose today may I suggest that the bishopric and the ward council members be especially watchful and considerate of the time and resource demands on young mothers and their families. Know them and be wise in what you ask them to do at this time in their lives. Alma's counsel to his son Helaman applies to us today: "Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6).
I hope all of you dear sisters, married or single, never wonder if you have worth in the sight of the Lord and to the leaders of the Church. We love you. We respect you and appreciate your influence in preserving the family and assisting with the growth and the spiritual vitality of the Church. Let us remember that "the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children" ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World"). The scriptures and the teachings of the prophets and apostles help all family members to prepare together now to be together through all eternity. I pray that God will continually bless the women of the Church to find joy and happiness in their sacred roles as daughters of God.
Now, in closing, I want to add my witness of President Monson's prophetic call. I have known him since he was 22 and I was 21. That's 58 years. I have watched the hand of the Lord prepare him for this day to preside over the Church as the prophet and President. And I add my testimony, along with all of the other testimonies that have been borne through this conference, of his special calling as President of the Church, and add my testimony, along with all of the others, that Jesus is the Christ and this is His Church. We are doing His work, to which I testify in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Opa's Scripture of the week

January 9, 2009

It's been so long since I did the Scripture of the Week I think I should call it the Scripture of the Quarter. Sorry! I wil try to do better in 2009.

It's been interesting to watch world geo-political and financial events unfold over the last few years. The last 2 emails I have sent reflect my thoughts that we could be in for some tough times economically and otherwise, scary stuff I think, yet it is not wise to let fear rule our lives. That tough times come, whether economically or otherwise, i.e., health, natural disasters, etc., is a given with life. We can prepare, given enough time, for many of these events, but probably what best helps us get through these times is the relationship with have with each other and with our Father in Heaven and his Son, Jesus Christ. Perhaps being here in Germany as a missionary has strenghtened my testimony of the power of His love for us which helps us overcome fear, repent of our mistakes and sins and endure in his Gospel to the end. With that thought in mind I send the following scripture:


John 14: 27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you….Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.


May each of us live in accord with the gospel of Jesus Christ and feel his love for us as individuals as it helps us to overcome all fear. Go do the right thing. Love.

Opa

Raising Children in Truth and Light

For all my daughters and dauther-in-Iaws I thought it would be fun to send a thought a week using the quotes I put in the book I gave last year with all the picutres. These come from "Postive Discipline Guidelines in the book by Jane Nelsen.

Raising Children In Truth and Light

The quote is, "Misbehaving children are discouraged children, who have mistaken ideas on how to achieve their primary goal. To belong. Their mistaken ideas lead them to misbehavior."

Sometimes as children of our Heavenly Father we are all hungry, or tired, or too stimulated or in pain. This is true not only for young children but all of as well. These become the times when we are discouraged and want to feel we are loved. Many times a child just needs a bit of time and attention and they are fine.

I remember a time when I was busy in a church calling for our ward trying to get everything done and it seemed impossible with this little baby Amy hanging on me trying to get my attention. I remember saying this prayer to my Heavenly Father, that I was busy doing His work and,"Would you please take care of this crying child while I get your task done." I will never forget the profound thought that came into my mind. "She is your 1st priority and in this moment it is more important that you take care of her." I can still remember where I was when those thoughts entered my head. I was walking up the stairs in our home in West Jordan. I stopped everything I thought was so important and kneeled down and gave my full attention to this little Amy. As soon as she felt I was really there for her she was fine. I marveled that it took such a short time. I then, in peace and calmness, completed my other tasks.

I love this little poem

How do I know just who I am
I learn from you who I am
Within your eyes I see
reflected me.

Thank you cute moms and moms to be. You are learning with your children the principals of Godhood..



Love Mom Arlie

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone,

This is the first New Year in the last 36 that I did not watch one bowl game or another, or see the Rose Parade on TV, yet somehow I survived. On New Years day in Germany its as quiet outside as a Cathedral (James will tell you how quiet that is) and there were very few cars on the streets and the only people you see are a few walking their dogs or pushing a baby stoller, with child wrapped better and tighter then an eskimo baby, barely peaking out of a small breathing hole in the hood over its tiny head, like a baby seal coming up for air in the ice flow. The weather does not slow down these people, even though it is only 21 or 22 degrees fahrenheit outside, but a night of partying does cause them to stay home and recuperate. The fireworks on our street alone went on till at least 1AM and in other parts of town it was longer and I can only guess how much beer was consumed in Chemnitz alone but probably sufficient to float the USS Kennedy.

This year turned out to be somewhat mild in comparison to previous episodes because, so I have been told and read in the local papers, the financial situation is not as strong as in past years. In other words the germans are beginning to realize that 2009 will bring more unemployment and lay-offs along with the resultant cutbacks in personal and public (government spending). Unemployment has been high here in the East (between 15-20%) depending on the area one lives and now in the western parts of germany, where it has been 10-12% over the last 15 years, it is also expected to increase. Can you imagine unemployment that high in the US. That's what I feel compelled to write to you about now. I think it's possible to see those kinds of numbers in the US. The reason I came to that conclusion is based on a sleepy night I had 2 days ago. I was not feeling great when I went to bed and , for whatever reason, my mind began reviewing the financial events of the past 2-3 years so that by 4AM I realized that I could give up on sleep. I got up and started to jot down a few thoughts that had come to me such as escalating property values over the last decade, increasing fuel costs, bankruptcy and near bankruptcy of several large businesses (think airlines), business fraud in a scale unheard of and to some degree unprosecuted not only under the Bush Admin but also und the previous admin. Then throw in things like the collapse of the sub-prime mortgage market and the resulting crash of the real estate and complete mortgage market, the collapse of several major banks and the near demise of the US Auto industry (and some in Europe and elsewhere) and the near bankruptcy of several major cities and states (does the financial collapse of State Government of California scare anyone) and one asks himself what is next. Do I sound alarmist? I hope so.

In my opinion much of our problem comes from incompetence and corruption on all levels of business and government, inadequate planning by the same and ignorance of apathy on our part, and at the present I do not see these fundamental underlying problems being addressed or changed significantly. Perhaps, as we have all viewed the events of the past few years, we have just blithely ignored the warning signs that have been all around us hoping that nothing would disturb our personal world but how much longer can we afford to do that? Some say that the new Administration will change all that but it seems to me that when we talk about giving federal aid to the banks and auto industry without required radical change or accountability in the management of those entities, then, as the saying goes, we find ourselves on a boat without paddles on that famous river in Egypt. We might see a small euphoric bump in the stock market following the inauguration but if the fundament elements of the current condition do not change, and no one, including O'bama, has explained what that might be, then the current downward spiral will continue.

So why am I writing this, because, candidly stated, I have no great ideas on how to change the coarse of events other than to prepare for what I see as tough times coming and I am not talking about weeks or months but probably years. If I am wrong then please, tell me how. So what I am doing is taking inventory of my personal situation to determine what I can do to not only protect the few assets I have now but also determine ways I can help in small ways to strengthen my personal economy and help friends and family do the same. I am writing because I don't think that I can do this alone and I know you all have great ideas so I would like to hear what you have to say. Maybe we can start an American beer craze here in Germany. Just kidding, but the point is the process starts with ideas. Who would've thought that $$$$ could be made selling used soft drink bottles. So put your thinking caps on. We, as thinking Americans, have the ability to work and think our way through this, I am convinced, but if we wait for others in government or business to save us the country will fail.

In the meantime I am fleshing out a budget plan and recommend that each of you personally take some time to develop one for your own households. A family is much like a biz and a biz that doesn't account for expenses and asset management doesn't last long as an entity. I would try to have some food storage on hand so my family could at least get through a crisis such a natural disaster (Utah think earthquack), a man made disaster (terrorist strike on major city or even a disruption in transportation) or personal unemployment or dibilitating sickness. The auto industry might not appreciate this but I would not recommend the purchase of a new auto unless it were absolutely necessary and I would not be buying any other major asset unless it could almost be guaranteed to generate income, and I that case I would love to know what it is. I hope this email is just the beginning of some ideas we can exchange so that we can begin to be part of the solution and not merely the problem. Love you all and hope that the challenge of facing and living in the year 2009 makes of all stronger and happier people. God bless you all.

Elder Austin (your pops, opa, and brother)

Temple Trips

Here's a collage of our temple trips with the missionaries...

A Christmas to remember...

Dear Family and Friends

It has been another eventful day as we have planned for our Family Home Evening here in Chemnitz.


We recently read Elder Bednar's talk on "Praying Always". We were impressed with the princilples he outlined as we learn to have more meaningful prayers. Principle #1 was couseling with the Lord in all our doings. I was particularly impressed with the "the patterns used by God in creating the earth.......we learn in Moses 3:4-5 that all things were created spiritually before they were naturally upon the earth" He goes on and says " that the spiritual creation preceded the temporal creation. In a similar way, meaningful morning prayer is an important element in the spiritual creation of each day----and precedes the temporal creation or the actual execution of the day...." there is more of course but we were both impressed with this enough to really thoughtfully in our prayers that morning seek guidence as we prayed to use that creative process. We prayed that the Spirit will guide us and will manifest to those who attend our Family Home Evening, and that the love of our Heavenly Father will be felt and that the Spirit of Christmas will be sweet and powerful.

Another note of interest, at least for my journal, is I awoke after having two nightmares. This seemed to affect me throughout the day and I found myself nervous and somewhat frustrated, unable to concentrate very well and feeling disoriented. We shopped and got things ready and finally as we reached the church I said "Doug please, I feel like I am having a nervous breakdown....give me a blessing." He laughed and reminded me of the many I have had and said just draw on one of those. I said I know you have given me many, but I need one now. He of course said alright. He gave me a beautiful blessing of comfort and the promise of peace and I immediately felt the calmness I so desired.

We then began the preparations for the night. Our plan was to have Elder Austin read from the Scriptures the story of the birth of Christ, bake cookies and make little goodie baskets to share as we went caroling to the houses near our church.

The cookies were baking and we were in the process of making our baskets and practicing our songs when one of the Young Single Adults became very ill. David, who we love and adore and who is known as the "ewige untersucher" or eternal investigator, (not a member) began with an allergic reaction from an almond that he had eaten at his sisters house just before coming. I walked into the room and looked at him lying on the couch and cried out "Oh my goodness he is blue. I called for Elder Austin to come quickly as he was in another room with another YSA. He went for the administration oil and called another YSA with the priesthood and they were ready to give a blessing. He was anointed and Elder Austin sealed with a blessing of peace that he would be able to breath and be comfortable until the ambulance arrived. and he would get the medical help he needed. Yes did I forget to mention another YSA called an ambulance.

As David lay on the couch it seemed as if he went unconscious as we tried to talk to him he did not respond. That is when the blessing was given and shortly after he revived, and was able to speak as the paramedics came.

Well Elder Austin and another YSA went to the hospital with David and I stayed to finish out the evening.
I called another YSA who is in the presidency and asked if he would take over the story of the Birth of Christ and sharing of his testimony. Of course he took charge and did a wonderful job. We then practiced our songs, had our prayers and finished our cookies and candy packets.

Just before we were to leave Elder Austin returned with the good news that David was fine and explained that by the time they left the hospital David was smiling and doing well. We sang a few more songs and went out to carol.. It was such an interesting experience as some would not answer the doors one person slammed the door others opened their windows and seemed to enjoy every minute. Others laughed and could feel the joy of the moment. One couple brought their little grandaughter with a miniture violin and she played with us It was delightful.........all in all a wonderful experience.

We had another treat that night as we had two young girls with us 10 and 11 years old. One was a sister of a YSA and her friend. They were the joy of the evening as they carried the Christmas goodies and ran from door to door ringing the bells and giving out the Christmas goodie baskets we had prepared. This young sister and her friend were not members. However they brought a sweet spirit of love with them and we all enjoyed having them with us. Back we finally went to the Church.....we then proceeded to clean up and the kids began making paper airplanes and flying them across the room.


What an adventure....a night to remember.... the music of the carols....the sweet story of the birth of Christ......the power of the priesthood in action......the joy of being together and sharing our love and concern for each other. Our creative prayers were truly answered in ways we did not even anticipate. In gratitude we thanked our Father for his blessing in our life and we did this though the name of his Son, Jesus Chirst.

The organization of this church is such a blessing to all of us. We have opportunities to serve and love each other with the blessing of the Spirit of God in our midst . We are about His work.....

May the blessings of this season be in your heart.

Love Sister Austin

Christmas 2008 Poem

JOYOUS CHRISTMAS OF 2008


AT THIS JOYOUS TIME OF YEAR
WE CELEBRATE OUR SAVIOR DEAR
COME TO EARTH AS NEW BORN CHILD
MIDST HUMBLE SETTINGS, MEEK AND MILD

BORN TO DIE AND LIVE AGAIN
BORN TO SAVE US FROM OUR SIN
BOUGHT US, WITH HIS PAIN AND TEARS,
HE HELPS US OVERCOME OUR FEARS.

TO BE THE CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT
AND IN HIM FIND ETERNAL SIGHT
THEN SEE AND THINK AND FEEL AND DO
THE THINGS WE HOLD SO DEAR AND TRUE

AND WHEN OUR TIME ON EARTH IS PAST
WE JOIN HIM IN HIS REALMS SO VAST
SO LET US SING AND WORK AND PRAY
THAT WE WITH HIM MAY ONE DAY SAY

FATHER OURS, THY WILL BE DONE
WE PLEDGE TO SERVE THEE AND THY SON
HELPING OTHERS KNOW THY LOVE
THAT CAME TO US FROM STARS ABOVE.

BY ELDER DOUGLAS AUSTIN
ZU WEIHNACHTEN 2008
CHEMNITZ DE
BERLIN MISSION