The Blains' England Manchester Mission: Sunday Walk & Thoughts

"Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning [anything]. . . for all flesh is in my hands; be still and know that I am God." Doctrine and Covenants 101:16


Hi again, I saw you yesterday. Happy Sunday!


Do you have some goodies today?

If you give me no treat, I'll snarl at you.

The theme of fast and testimony meeting today seemed to be "trust God and know of your worth to Him--He knows you and loves you."

One man said he has seen the hares coming out and running about recently, along with the bulbs sending forth new shoots and flowers beginning to bloom. The winter season is ending and spring is coming, just as in the seasons of our limited time on earth. He feels like that he came out of the winter season of his life and moved into spring when he joined the Church. It has brought new life and a new way of seeing things.

Surprised and delighted to find a bunch of these pussy willow trees growing along the stone wall.

The Bishop shared a story about a father with an autistic daughter (the man keeps a blog about his experiences). Some less-sensitive person asked this man if he'd grieved the lost of all the things he'd never experience with his daughter. When he thought about it, he began to grieve because he'd never see her go to the prom, or graduate, or get married. Then he stopped. He realized she would always be his little princess. He would never hear her talk or tell him she loved him, but she'd stay his little girl. She'd watch Disney movies when she is 35 and still enjoy them. He decided he is thankful for her and the joy she will bring in her own way.

Today we sisters in Relief Society were told that we are all stressed in life these days, but that doesn't have to have anything to do with being happy. We can be happy as we put the most important things (God and our families) first. We we challenged to ponder where we are in our lives in two areas: 1. living gospel principles; 2. saving ordinances. We are to write these things down and work to take the next step up from wherever we are. Many sisters expressed that difficulties in their lives were causing a "dip" in their progression. The instructor drew a line that was like hills going up and down, but each one went up just a little after each valley. She pointed out that we cannot always see we're making progress, but it is there as long as we don't give up and stay in the bottom of the low spots we hit in life.

Onward and upward . . .

Another sister said she has always advised her children that when they hit a "spiritual dip", they can use that time to rest a bit so they can build up the energy to build up a head of steam to tackle the next challenge where they'll be able to go faster and higher.

It was concluded that we know that every time we try to change or make improvement that there will be stumbling blocks in our path. There is always opposition.

I wish the dear friend who sent and e-mail through saying she stopped praying and reading scriptures because of things going on in her life that have made her give up. She said she wasn't sure she wanted to continue making the effort anymore. I pray she doesn't give up.

My shadow is in this photo as I capture the budding pussy willows--I didn't know these were pussy willow trees until I saw the buds! Sometimes we don't know the potential of ourselves or others until hidden talents are discovered when we stretch ourselves to try things we never thought we'd be capable of doing--like riding a bike--going to college--going on a mission--speaking in front of people . . .

One of the young adults we know said his 31-year-year brother committed suicide this week. He just gave up living. It is such a tragedy when someone gives up instead of working through the pain, suffering, or trial of the moment until their is a brighter day. There is always some way to hang on through trials, if we allow others and God to help us. We cannot lose faith.

Some other pictures of things I saw on the Sunday walk about: